What to Expect in Your Examination

We ask that our patients arrive a few minutes in advance of their scheduled appointment to ensure that appropriate paperwork is in order. We strive to see our patients as close as possible to their scheduled appointment time. On occasion we get behind schedule because of emergencies that are worked in, patients who have health findings that were not anticipated when the appointment was made, or patients who have special needs.

Usually the patient is taken to the pre-test room by our technician, Jenny, where a detailed history is taken and the vision is recorded. The patient then will be seen by Dr. Price. There may be a wait in the back waiting room before seeing Dr. Price while he finishes the exam on a preceding patient. Once with Dr. Price, he will review the history and possibly ask additional questions based on the complaints. He will then confirm the vision previously taken, refract the patient to determine their best vision as well as determine any need for corrective lenses or contact lenses. A careful external examination of the eyes will then be made as well as checking the pressure for Glaucoma.

At this point the patient will be offered the opportunity to visit the optical shop if a need for glasses or a change in prescription is noted. If the patient does not wish to see the Optician or has no need to see him, the patient will go to the back waiting room to be dilated and possibly to have other testing done. Dilation is important because it allows Dr. Price to exam the interior of the eye in detail. The dilated exam is done after a period of 20-45 minutes in Dr. Price's examining room, where the patient is advised of the findings and any recommended actions which may be necessary.

Patients are encouraged to ask questions at this point, but we recognize that questions often arise after the patient leaves the office. We want patients to feel comfortable calling back later to get that unanswered question answered.