Patient Info

Your Comfort and Care

At Retina Vitreous Associates, your comfort and care are our primary concerns. Patient education is a priority with us, so please feel free to ask questions and to include family members in your visit. We will strive to answer your questions in clear, straightforward terms so that you get the most out of your eye care experience as possible.

For your added peace of mind, we have explained below what to expect during your first visit to Retina Vitreous Associates, whether you are seeing us for retina care in Indiana or Illinois. We have also provided a helpful Don't Forget checklist.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your eye care.

Your First Appointment

When you arrive, a receptionist will greet you and ask for some basic information. Please be sure to bring your medical records and all insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid information so that we can help arrange for insurance coverage. Usually, an insurance identification card is all that you need. However, some coverage requires referrals and payments, which you are responsible for bringing to our office at the time of the visit.
Next, a technician will ask you for medical information and perform preliminary tests, including a check of your vision. It is very important that you bring the glasses or contact lenses you use for distance vision. After these preliminary tests, your pupils will be dilated with eye drops.
Once your eyes are dilated, one of our board-certified retinal physicians will see you, review your history, and perform a complete eye and retinal examination to detect any flashes and floaters, torn retina, retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy), etc. The physician may need special diagnostic tests as part of your evaluation. After your assessment, the doctor will discuss with you your condition and possible treatments.
Because your eyes will be dilated when you leave, you will need a driver to accompany you to your appointment. We also suggest that you bring sunglasses to make you more comfortable when you go out into the daylight. Please note that a new-patient appointment can take 2-4 hours, depending upon the complexity of your examination and the number of tests you require. Please allow the necessary time in your schedule.

If you need any special assistance for your visit, such as a wheel chair, translator, or signer, please let the receptionist know when making your appointment.