Patient Information

How to Prepare for Your Ophthalmology Consultation

A little preparation can make a big difference. Arriving well-prepared helps us use the consultation time more effectively, ensures we have all the information we need, and allows us to answer your questions thoroughly.

These are general recommendations. Your ophthalmologist may give you specific instructions depending on the reason for your visit.

What to bring to your appointment

Having these items ready will help your ophthalmologist make the most accurate assessment:

Previous reports and test results

Any ophthalmological reports, imaging results (OCT, visual fields, topography), or blood tests that may be relevant. If you have been seen by another specialist, bring those reports too.

Current medication list

Include all medications you are taking — not just eye drops, but also oral or injected treatments. If possible, bring the packaging or a photograph of the labels.

Your glasses and/or contact lenses

Bring all the glasses you use (distance, reading, progressive). If you wear contact lenses, bring the box or note the brand, power, and parameters.

Health insurance card or referral

Your insurance card or public health referral, depending on the type of appointment.

A list of questions or concerns

It is very common to forget something you wanted to ask. Writing your questions down beforehand is a simple way to make sure nothing is left unaddressed.

Contact lens wearers: important note

If you wear contact lenses and your visit includes refraction or corneal assessment, your ophthalmologist may ask you to stop wearing them for a period before the appointment.

Soft lenses

Usually a few days before the visit is sufficient.

Rigid or semi-rigid lenses (RGP)

A longer period without lenses may be required, as they can temporarily alter the shape of the cornea.

Your ophthalmologist will tell you exactly how many days in advance you should stop wearing them when scheduling your appointment. If in doubt, call ahead.

Pupil dilation: what to expect

In many consultations — especially for conditions such as cataracts, retinal diseases, or glaucoma — your ophthalmologist will need to dilate your pupils using eye drops. This is a routine and painless procedure that allows a thorough examination of the inside of the eye.

Temporary effects:

  • Blurred vision, especially for reading or close-up tasks
  • Increased sensitivity to light

These effects usually last between 3 and 6 hours, depending on the drops used and individual response.

Bring sunglasses

They will help with light sensitivity on your way home.

Plan your transport

It is advisable not to drive immediately after dilation. Consider having someone accompany you, or use public transport.

Not every visit requires dilation

Your ophthalmologist will decide whether it is necessary depending on the reason for your visit. If you are unsure, you can ask when booking your appointment.

When to go to the emergency department instead

Some symptoms require urgent assessment and should not wait for a scheduled appointment. Go directly to the ophthalmology emergency department if you experience:

  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Intense eye pain that does not improve with usual painkillers
  • Flashes of light accompanied by a shadow or curtain in your vision
  • Eye injury or trauma
  • Chemical splash in the eye (rinse with water immediately and go to A&E)

These symptoms require urgent attention. Do not wait for your scheduled appointment.

Frequently asked questions

It varies depending on the reason for the visit and the tests required. A routine check-up usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. If your pupils need to be dilated, allow additional waiting time for the drops to take effect.

Not always. Dilation is particularly important for retinal assessment, cataract evaluation, and certain glaucoma tests. Your ophthalmologist will decide based on your clinical needs.

If your pupils have been dilated, it is advisable to avoid driving until the effect wears off, usually within a few hours. If dilation is not needed, you can drive normally after the visit.

As a general guide, a complete examination every one to two years is recommended from the age of 40, especially if you have risk factors such as family history of glaucoma, high myopia, or diabetes. Your ophthalmologist will advise you on the ideal frequency for your case.

It is preferable to come without eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow), as it can interfere with certain measurements and examinations. If you do wear it, it will not prevent the consultation from taking place, but some tests may be less precise.

Do you have questions about your visit?

If you need to clarify anything before your appointment, do not hesitate to contact us.

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