Preparing for Your Retinal Evaluation
Welcome to Northeast Wisconsin Retina Associates. We look forward to seeing you for your retinal evaluation. Our physicians are board-certified and fellowship-trained retinal specialists devoted exclusively to the care and treatment of retinal disorders. Our goal is to provide state-of-the-art care in a compassionate environment.
Please plan ahead: Your eyes will be dilated. Please bring a driver. Dilation can blur your vision and may last several hours. Your visit may last 1½ to 2½ hours because retina appointments often include several steps.
Before Your Appointment
- Insurance: We participate with many insurance carriers and Medicare. Please contact your insurance plan to confirm participation with your plan.
- Referrals: Some plans require a referral. If required, it is the patient's responsibility to obtain the referral before the visit.
- Self-pay: Please contact our business office before your appointment at 920-751-8666, option 9. Payment is due at the time of service.
What to Bring
| ☐ A ride or a driver | ☐ Current medication list |
| ☐ Photo ID | ☐ Current insurance card(s); if you have a Medicare Advantage/Replacement plan, please also bring your government-issued Medicare ID |
| ☐ Co-pay, if applicable | ☐ Power of Attorney paperwork, if applicable |
| ☐ Glasses instead of contact lenses; please do not wear contacts to this appointment | ☐ Sunglasses for after dilation |
| ☐ A list of questions, recent vision changes, or concerns you would like to discuss | ☐ Information about any recent eye surgeries, injections, treatments, or records from another eye care provider, if applicable |
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your retinal evaluation may include:
- Registration and review of your medical/insurance information
- Retinal imaging and diagnostic testing
- Pupil dilation
- Examination by your physician and review of test results
- Discussion of your diagnosis, treatment options, and next steps
- Treatment on the same day, if recommended for your condition, which may include an eye injection or laser procedure
Same-day treatment may be recommended. Depending on your condition and test results, your physician may recommend treatment during the same visit. Our team will explain the treatment, answer your questions, and review comfort measures before beginning.
Why the Visit Can Take Several Hours
Retina visits often involve multiple steps, including imaging, testing, dilation, physician examination, treatment planning, possible treatment, and scheduling follow-up care. We work hard to stay on schedule; however, urgent patient needs or additional testing may affect the length of your visit.
Please Speak Up
We want you to understand your care. If you would like something explained again, have concerns about comfort, or are unsure about the plan or next steps, please tell any member of our team. You are welcome to bring a family member or caregiver if you would like help remembering information discussed during your visit.
After Your Visit
- Because your eyes may remain dilated for several hours, you may be light sensitive and have blurred vision. Reading may be difficult. Please use caution with walking and transportation after your appointment.
- If you are given medication instructions, please ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
- Before you leave, please make sure you understand your follow-up plan and where to call with questions.
- After your visit, please call us with any questions.
Questions
If you have questions, please call the location where your appointment is scheduled. Additional information is available on our website: www.newretinamd.com.