Visits to the optometrists were once considered rare, but with the growing awareness on the eye health advantages of seeing an optometrist at least every two years, most people are taking the initiative to book eye appointments in Calgary more often.
Being prepared for what to expect on your first eye appointment ahead of time is a wise decision. The more you know, the easier the process will be for you. Below we give you a rundown of what you should expect for your first eye exam in Calgary.
Before we get right to the subject matter on what to expect at your first optometrist visit, let us give you a few tips on what to bring with you to the appointment, as they may be relevant.
What to Bring to Your Eye Appointment
- Current eyeglasses.
- Contact lenses, along with your prescription.
- A list of any current medications and supplements.
- Your Health Card and/or insurance information.
- Bring any information concerning your family eye health history.
- A list of any allergies or other health conditions you may have.
What to Expect on Your First Appointment
- Filling in Patient Details
As a new patient, the first person you are likely to meet for your eye appointment in Calgary will be your optometrist’s receptionist. The receptionist will offer you a patient profile form where you will be expected to fill in the relevant information as it has been asked. This helps the team get acquainted with your individual needs. You will be asked to give your contact information, medical history as well as any concerns you may have.
- History Evaluation
Your optometrist will ask you a series of questions on your medical history including the current supplements and medications you are currently taking as well as any eye problems you may be experiencing or may have experienced in the past.
- Eye Tests
After getting acquainted with your optometrist, an eye exam inclusive of an array of tests will be carried out to determine the state of your vision. Among the tests, you can expect to include the visual acuity test, which basically consists of reading letters from a chart at a distance.
Secondly, the radioscopy test which involves the use of a phoropter to determine how light affects your eyes with different lenses.
The refraction test can also be done to determine your eyeglass prescription. This test can also determine whether you need eyeglasses or not.
Another test that you can expect is the keratometry test which is used to detect the possibility of astigmatism (having a cornea with elongated or steep curves).
The peripheral visual field test is another common eye exam in Calgary used to determine the size of one’s visual field as well as spot any gaps in one’s peripheral vision.
The last test you can expect is the intraocular pressure measurement, which tests for glaucoma.
Expect to spend at least one to one and a half hours on your first eye appointment in Calgary to allow all these tests to be done.
- Results Review
After the eye exam, your ophthalmologist will have an honest discussion about the outcome of your results and address any concerns you may have.
- Follow up Appointment
If your ophthalmologist finds anything wrong, they may schedule a follow-up appointment to begin treatment.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this information has been an eye opener and you now feel more confident about going for your first eye check-up.
