Your First Visit

You should expect your first visit to take 1 – 2 hours depending on the seriousness of your eye problem. If possible download and fill out your patient information forms, if not, our staff can help you with the paperwork when you arrive at the office.

Our staff will then review the form and go over any other materials that you have brought with you such as past medical records or referral forms if you are coming from another doctors office. Please remember to bring a complete list of any medications you are taking including your eye drops. If you cannot read the labels please bring the bottles with you so that we can help obtain the information. Bring your current glasses as well.

Dilated Examination

Both of your eyes will be dilated at the initial visit. It is important that both eyes are dilated as some disease processes may be asymptomatic and might go undiagnosed if the “unaffected” eye is not examined at the initial visit.

If you have never had a dilated exam, it is important to bring someone with you as you may be light sensitive for the 2 – 3 hours it takes for the drops to wear off after the examination. It takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes for your pupils to dilate fully so that a detailed examination of your eyes can be performed as well as any necessary diagnostic tests.

Dr. Lowe will then discuss his findings with you and outline a treatment plan. Your complete understanding of your eye problem, and the steps necessary to treat them, is the primary goal of the initial office visit. After the visit I invite you to participate in a patient’s satisfaction survey to help us continue to improve our care.

Remember to please bring the following:

  • Picture ID, such as driver’s license
  • Insurance Card
  • A referral from your primary physician, if required by your insurance.
  • If your insurance requires a copay, co-insurance, or deductible, please be prepared to pay at the time of your visit.
  • Any information from your referring doctor, such as lab/test results.
  • A list of your current medications.
  • Sunglasses
  • Someone to drive you home.