The physicians at Retina Associates of Western NY are retinal specialists. Since we diagnose and treat diseases of the vitreous and retina, we generally see patients that are referred by their general optometrist/ophthalmologist, internist, or endocrinologist. As such, it is important to understand that we are an emergency practice. If a patient has a visually threatening emergency, this could adversely affect your wait time. You may be familiar with this, since at one time you may have been the retina emergency. That said, we use considerable expertise in this field to mitigate the interruption to our normal patient schedule as much as possible.
Please bring the following items to your appointment:
- List of current medications, if you have not updated your Patient Portal
- Glasses (used for testing vision)
- Insurance cards
- Co-pay if one is required by your insurance
- Sunglasses if you are sensitive to the light when dilated
- Paperwork you received in the mail or from your referring doctor, if applicable
- A translator / interpreter if necessary
- A driver if you are having a treatment or are uncomfortable driving while dilated
A typical office visit takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours. It may take longer if you are a new patient or require additional Diagnostic Testing
After checking in at the reception area, a technician will call you back and check your vision, pressure, and then dilate your eyes. It is necessary for your eyes to be dilated for your physician to perform a thorough retinal exam. It will take about 20 minutes for your eyes to dilate.
Once your eyes are dilated, you will be called into an exam room. Your physician will examine your eyes with a slit lamp microscope. At that time he will let you know if you need any photographs of your eyes. If treatments are necessary for your condition, they will also be discussed.
Treatments and procedures are done in-office and take about as long as a normal office visit (1.5 to 2 hours). Photography or an exam may be necessary before a treatment.
