What to Expect on Your First Visit

A comprehensive and detailed examination of your eyes can take take from 1 to 2 hours depending on testing required. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to fill our medical history form or log into our patient portal to complete the form in advance.

All the information you input will be reviewed by your medical doctor upon arrival. Your comprehensive eye examination will include dilation of your eyes to visualize the retina. It is preferable to bring sunglasses as your eyes can by light sensitive while they are dilated. Dilation will affect your vision and your ability to drive.

Please arrange for a driver to accompany you to your visit as your eyes will be dilated.

Duration of Visits

First appointment: 60 to 90 minutes (includes dilation)

Follow-up appointment: 30 to 60 minutes (includes dilation)

Please keep in mind that additional time may be needed depending on further diagnostic testing and treatments. We also appreciate your patience in the event of emergency patients that can impact our schedule, as we occasionally have to provide emergency treatments for blinding diseases.

 What to Bring to Your Visit

  • Your medical insurance cards
  • A list of medications with dosages
  • A list of prior eye problems and medical problems
  • A list of prior surgeries
  • Your glasses

The Retina San Diego Comprehensive Examination Experience

We are dedicated to excellence in the field of retina which means that we use the most advanced diagnostic technology. Your doctor will examine you and will accomplish all the required diagnostic imaging tests, which means that the testing is focused to your specific eye and disease. We believe that by having the doctor accomplish your imaging studies, we are better able to follow your care. Depending on your disease, you may require OCT imaging of the retina, angiography of the retina, or ultrasonography of the eye. All the testing is done at our office in our imaging suite by your doctor. We call this unique medical approach: Personalized physician care to bring clarity to your vision!

Once the testing has been accomplished, your physician will review and explain all the results so you have a complete understanding of your condition. Your doctor will then explain the plan and answer any questions you may have.