Retinal examinations often require additional time for pupil dilation, specialized imaging, and evaluation by your retina specialist. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared for your appointment.
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What To Do Before Your Appointment
If you are currently receiving retinal injections or treatment from another eye care provider, please give us a call (602) 222-2221, and let our team know before your appointment. Providing this information in advance helps us coordinate your care, obtain necessary approvals, and reduce the risk of treatment delays or insurance denials.
Confirm Your Appointment
Before your visit, you will receive a text message and an email to confirm your appointment. Please review your scheduled date, time, and location, and contact our team if you need to make any changes.
Complete Your Patient Forms
Retinal Consultants of Arizona offers convenient Mobile Pre-Check, allowing you to confirm your appointment and complete registration paperwork before arriving at our office. Completing your patient forms ahead of time helps make check-in quicker and easier.
What To Bring To Your Retina Appointment
Your Photo ID
Medical Insurance Card
List of Medications & Eye Health History
Sunglasses for After Dilation
Current Prescription
Checking In for Your Appointment
When you arrive at Retinal Consultants of Arizona, you will complete the check-in process using our self-service kiosk.
If you’ve completed Mobile Pre-Check, it will help reduce the paperwork you need when you arrive.
Our front office team may confirm your insurance information, review your medical history, and ask about any recent changes in your vision.
If you need assistance with the kiosk or have questions about your appointment, our front desk team will be happy to help.
Retinal Testing Performed
Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and existing retinal conditions, your appointment may include several diagnostic tests. Not every patient requires every test. Your retina specialist will determine which examinations and imaging procedures are appropriate for your care.
1
Vision Testing
Testing will begin by measuring how clearly you see. Changes in your vision can help your retina specialist monitor retinal diseases and evaluate your response to treatment.
2
Eye Pressure and Pupil Evaluation
Your technician may measure the pressure inside your eyes and check how your pupils respond to light as part of your initial examination.
3
Dilation Retinal Exam
Dilating eye drops will be used to enlarge your pupils, allowing your retina specialist to examine the retina, macula, optic nerve, and peripheral retina more thoroughly.
4
Retinal Imaging and Diagnostic Testing
Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend specialized diagnostic imaging, including:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina to help identify swelling, fluid, and changes in retinal layers.
Retinal Photography: Captures images of the back of your eye to document retinal health and monitor changes over time.
Fluorescein Angiography: Uses a special dye and imaging to evaluate blood flow and identify leaking or abnormal retinal blood vessels when clinically indicated.
Why Is a Dilated Eye Exam Required?
Dilating drops temporarily enlarge your pupils, providing your retina specialist with a wider view of the inside of your eye. This allows your doctor to examine the retina and surrounding structures for signs of retinal tears, detachment, bleeding, swelling, or other abnormalities.
Even with advanced imaging, a dilated examination provides important information that retinal scans alone may not capture.
What to Expect After Dilation
Your eyes may remain dilated for several hours after your appointment. During this time, you may experience blurry near vision and increased sensitivity to sunlight. We recommend bringing sunglasses and arranging transportation if you’re unsure whether you’ll be comfortable driving afterward.
How Long Does a Retina Appointment Take?
Retina appointments generally take about 2-3 hours because they often involve pupil dilation, specialized diagnostic imaging, and a detailed evaluation by your retina specialist.
The length of your visit depends on your condition, the testing required, and whether treatment is performed during your appointment. Please allow additional time for your visit, particularly if this is your first retinal evaluation or if your doctor has recommended further testing.
Questions Before Your Appointment?
At Retinal Consultants of Arizona, we’re committed to helping patients across Arizona receive specialized retinal care in a comfortable, supportive environment.
If you have questions about your upcoming appointment, need assistance with registration, or want to confirm your appointment location, our team is here to help.
