A little preparation can make your first visit smoother, faster, and more productive. Here's what to bring and know before you come in.

What to Bring

• Photo ID and insurance card(s) — both vision and medical, if you have them
• A list of current medications, including over-the-counter drops or supplements
• Your current glasses and/or contact lens prescription, if known, along with the box or packaging for your contact lens brand
• Sunglasses — many comprehensive exams include dilation, which causes light sensitivity for a few hours afterward
• A list of questions or concerns you want to make sure get addressed

Information Worth Knowing Ahead of Time

• Family eye health history — conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment often run in families
• Your own health history, especially diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune conditions, or thyroid disease, all of which can affect the eyes
• When your symptoms started, if you're coming in for a specific concern, and whether anything makes them better or worse

What to Expect Timing-Wise

New patient visits typically take longer than routine follow-ups, especially if dilation and additional testing are involved. Plan for extra time, and consider arranging a ride if you're especially sensitive to the post-dilation blur and light sensitivity.

Should You Wear Your Contacts In?

If you wear contact lenses, it's usually fine to wear them to your appointment, but let the front desk know — some testing requires contacts to be removed beforehand, and if you're being evaluated for a contact-related issue, your doctor may want to examine your eyes with the lenses out for a period of time first.

Questions to Ask During Your Visit

• What did you find during my exam, and is anything concerning?
• How does this compare to my last visit, if you have prior records?
• What's the recommended follow-up schedule?
• Are there any lifestyle or eyewear changes you'd recommend?

The Bottom Line

A well-prepared first visit means less time filling out paperwork and more time actually discussing your eyes — and a smoother experience overall.

Scheduling your first visit? We look forward to seeing you — book an appointment with our team.