Are you a new patient of L.O. Eye Care? If so, we recommend you use our slideshow to better understand what happens during a routine eye exam at one of our offices.

What can you expect?

At L.O. Eye Care, patients having a routine or complete eye exam receive a full ophthalmic exam. Due to the thoroughness of this exam, patients should expect their appointment to last 1.5-2 hours. In most cases, patients will have both eyes dilated during the exam, allowing the doctor to see into the back of the eye. Dilation can cause light sensitivity, with the effects lasting three to four hours. Because of this, it is recommended that patients bring sunglasses to wear after their visit or some patients may feel more comfortable having someone drive them home from the appointment. Dilation also causes patient’s near vision to blur and can last for several hours.

The first step of the routine eye exam includes a review of the patient’s history and a check of their vision by an ophthalmic assistant. Next, a refraction test will be performed to determine how well the patient is seeing, and the pressure within the eye will be measured. The last step before the patient sees the doctor is administering the dilation drops, which take 20-30 minutes to take full effect.

Once the eyes are fully dilated, the doctor will meet with the patient to review the reason for the visit and the test results. After a full examination of the eyes, the doctor will review any problems or changes in prescription as well as the treatment plan. When you come in for your first appointment at L.O. Eye Care, please bring:

  • completed new patient forms
  • any current eyewear
  • a list of all medications you are taking (including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements)