This page is dedicated to describing the ideal examination "flow" you will experience at our office. The doctors and staff will do everything possible to make your visit comfortable and timely. To assist in this process we ask your help, please bring the following items with you for your appointment.
1 - The most recent prescription glasses, most recent back-up and any prescription sunglasses you are currently using.
2 - Insurance card, SS# and ID (Many insurance plans require this information).
3 - The most recent contact lens prescription, this could be written out or just the old boxes.
This information can greatly assist the doctors and staff in providing prompt, complete service
WELCOME TO THE OFFICE -
First off, the doctors and staff would like to thank you for choosing to trust us with your eyecare. Follow link for official
Welcome Letter.
PAPERWORK
Patient Information - Just the basic contact information and insurance information. Please follow link for form
Patient Information
Medical History Questionaire - Complete medical history is very useful for the doctors as it usually applies in one way or another to the eyes and is required by most insurances.
Dilated Retinal Examination - The doctors at Conejo Family Eyecare recommend
regular dilated examinations for most patients. Please review description of
proceedure then sign form.
Visual Field Evaluation -
Proceedure involves advanced
detailed evaluation of
peripheral vision either as
a screening test for
baseline analysis or to
determine causes of
unexplained visual loss.
Please review description
then sign form.
Contact Lens Evaluation / Fitting - The doctors at Conejo Family Eyecare recommend
yearly contact lens evaluations at a minimum to ensure long term eye health and
structure is available for review and is designed to be as fair as possible in
representing the variability of patient needs ranging from new fittings to
renewal of current prescriptions.
HIPPA / Notice of Privacy Practices - Document informing you of your rights and
responsibilities under federal law. Please follow link for complete
HIPPA documentation.
PRE-TESTING STATION
Auto-Refractor / Keratometer - As the you look into a special instrument at a distance target a staff member will take several measurements in a matter of seconds. The instrument doesn't touch the eye or "puff" air in your eye, it only shines an almost imperceptible amount of light at your eye for what amounts to a split second. Then the instrument makes some calculations to determine an approximation of your prescription and a curvature measurement of your cornea. This assists the doctor with a "starting point" or "ballpark" estimation for your prescription to ensure to greatest possible accuracy.
Auto-Lensometer - Optician / technician will borrow your glasses briefly to measure the current prescription. This information is then used by the Optometrist during the examination for comparative analysis with your auto-refraction and actual refraction in the exam room to determine amount and necessity of prescription change.
THE EXAM ROOM
Review of Patient Information - Optometrist will review the all the forms you filled out and use that information to provide a more thorough and comprehensive eye examination catered to your individual circumstances.
Entrance Testing - Varies greatly depending on age of patient and prior examination results. Typically assessed are visual acuity (on the chart), eye movements, depth perception, color vision, pupillary respsonse and focusing ability.
Contact Lens Evaluation
(If Applicable)
Evaluation of Current Lenses - Optometrist will evaluate / discuss current contact lens
wear with patient and together will decide if status quo is acceptable or if new
options would be beneficial.
Evaluation for New Patients - Initially Optometrist will discuss options with interested
patients and describe the fitting process. Typically doctor will evaluate patents
spectacle prescription and current eye health prior to actually trying lenses. Once
doctor and patient have agreed to a fitting plan the doctor will typically get "trial
lenses" (which usually are in stock but in some cases need to be ordered for a more
custom fit) and insert them. If fit / vision / comfort are acceptable patient will proceed
to insertion / removal training with our qualified staff. If not then new trials will be
selected and the process will continue until the outcome is acceptable to the doctor
and patient. New patients will be seen for at least one follow-up but usually 2 or 3
depending on complexity / difficulty of fit. New patients will also be provided initially
with a "starter kit" which includes a small sample of lens cleaning solution and a
new case for lens storage. During training patients will be given detailed instruction
on the proper use an care of contact lenses.
The Refraction -
"Which is better 1 or 2???" :) The optometrist will use a phoropter which is like a big pair of glasses with nearly every prescription option necessary to determine the patients precise prescription. In cases where of a new complex prescription or a
significant change in prescription the doctor may use a trial frame to let the patient get a better feel for their potential vision and comfort with a new prescription.
Eye Health Evaluation / Dilation -
The Optometrist will use several types of instruments, lenses and in some cases drops to closely evaluate the health of the patients eye from front to back. For more information please feel free to ask the doctor or review description under
Proceedure Review.
THE DISPENSARY
Choosing Frames and Lens Options - Upon completion of examination and determination of your precise prescription, if you are interested in purchasing new glasses or just looking to see whats new, the doctor will transition you to a staff member. One of our qualified and experienced opticians will be happy to assist you and answer any questions including insurance benefits. The doctor will explain in detail any recommendations specific to your needs and interests in terms of eyewear to ensure your purchase exceeds expectations in terms of quality and functionality. For more detail regarding our selection of quality brand name frames and lens options please follow link to
Products and Services page.