Your First Eye Exam

When you arrive and check in at our front desk, you will be asked to fill out a comprehensive personal and family history questionnaire.  This will help your doctor get to know the total overall health picture of the patient, as well as zero in on specific problems.  A copy of this is available on our website.  If you prefer, and in order to expedite your time in the office, you can download this form and bring it to the office already filled out.  You will also be asked to read our privacy policy statement, a copy of which will be given to you and which is also available on this website.  We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time so that you can fill these forms out carefully and been seen on time.

The Examination...

You will be called into an exam room by one of our specially trained ophthalmic technicians.   The history will be reviewed and the specific complaint pertaining to the eyes will be discussed.

The visual acuity will be measured at distance and near.  Even in small infants there are ways of assessing the vision in simple terms, such as the ability to follow targets. In younger children the vision can be measured by asking them to name pictures or play the “E” game if they are shy.  Typical visual acuity charts with letters and numbers are used in older children and adults.

Depth perception, color vision, and visual field testing will be done as well, if possible. The patient will be assessed for strabismus (eye misalignment).  The mobility of the eyes is checked as well.

In addition, the outer structures of the eyes and eyelids are checked in addition to the pupils and the red reflex (the reflection of light off the back of the eye).  After all of these items are evaluated, drops to dilate the pupils will be placed in each eye.  If the technician has any questions or concerns, the doctor may be asked to check the patient prior to the drops being placed.

It takes about 20-30 minutes for the dilating drops to work fully.  After the pupils are large, the doctor will evaluate the structure of the eyes in the microscope as well as examine the back of the eyes with special viewing systems and lenses.  The child will also be measured for glasses.

The dilating drops are not painful, however some patients complain of a very brief burning sensation. The drops typically last for up to 4 hours, but can be longer acting in some patients.  Because the pupils are large, the patient may be sensitive to the sunlight.  Disposable sunglasses are provided.  In addition, these drops paralyze the use of the focusing muscles, so reading will be difficult for several hours after the exam. 

You should expect to be at the office for around 1 hour.  We strive to see all patients on time and minimize waiting.  However, due to the nature of our practice, emergencies do occur and have priority.  Please be patient and know that your child will receive our full attention and expert care at the soonest possible time.