When you arrive, you will be greeted by our medical receptionist who will kindly ask you to complete the patient registration form and medical history questionnaire. Information regarding dilating eye drops and an explanation of our notice of privacy practices will be provided to you as well. To simplify and expedite your visit, we’ve provided links to all of these forms so that you can print and complete them in advance.
(Click here to save time and download forms you will need for your first visit!)
Please bring any medical records from your referring doctor and a list of your medications and their dosages. Please also bring your identification and insurance cards so that we may bill your insurance plan correctly. If you are a new patient, please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to help ensure your records have the important information we need.
Your initial appointment will last between 1 and 4 hours as we may conduct many tests during your visit. This will help us determine the health of your eye and provide treatment options. Please remember it is necessary to dilate your pupils to have a retinal evaluation. Therefore, we prefer that you have someone who can transport you after the appointment. You will also need to have dark sunglasses to protect your eyes against the bright Arizona sunlight for your return trip home. The dilating drops last several hours and you can expect to have blurry vision for the remainder of the day.
Please bring your glasses and/or contact lenses with you so that your vision can be measured accurately.
If you do not speak English, we suggest you travel with a companion who can act as a translator.
What to expect during your initial visit
Your medical evaluation will begin with an ophthalmic technician who will talk with you in order to get a more detailed medical and ocular history. You will be questioned regarding your visual symptoms and the treatments you have received. The technician will then place drops in your eyes to dilate (widen) your pupils. Dilation is necessary for a complete examination of the retina. Your pupils will require up to 30 minutes to dilate.
Since your pupils may remain dilated for a full day after your visit, we recommend that you bring sunglasses to reduce your sensitivity to light. Your ability to read will be temporarily decreased. We also recommend you have someone else drive you home.
After your pupils are dilated, one of our doctors will meet with you to examine your eyes. To evaluate the retina and vitreous, the doctor will use highly sophisticated instruments. Depending on your medical condition, other specific tests may be performed. If treatment of your eye problem is indicated, you and your RCA doctor will decide the most appropriate course of action. Some types of treatment can be performed in our office and others require an operation in a surgery center.