Patient Resources

For Our New Patients, What To Expect During Your Visit

Most of our patients are referred to us by other medical professionals, but we do accept patients with known or suspected retina and vitreous disorders and those with a history of diabetes. When you arrive at Georgia Retina, you will be greeted by our receptionist who will ask you to complete a brief patient information form, if you have not done so already. We participate in most managed care plans and ask our patients covered under plans requiring referrals for visits to specialists to obtain a referral before their visit.

During your visit, your visual acuity will be tested at distance and near in both eyes, pupils tested for reaction to light, eye movement assessed, peripheral vision checked; and eye pressure measured for glaucoma. The ophthalmic technicians will talk with you to begin the process of obtaining a more detailed medical and ocular history. Drops will then be placed in your eyes to dilate your pupils (it is suggested that you have someone drive you to this appointment).

After your pupils are dilated, the doctor will meet with you and examine your eyes. To evaluate the retina, vitreous and macula, the doctor will use highly sophisticated and specially-designed medical instruments. Depending on your medical condition, other special tests, including the following, may be performed:

• Fundus photographs — A view of the retina may be obtained by means of a special camera.
• Fluorescein angiography - A more complex photographic technique, permits additional views of the retina when a special vegetable-based dye is injected into a vein your arm. This is not an X-ray and the dye contains no iodine. All of our offices are equipped with dark room facilities and digital image computers to process your films and when necessary results can be obtained at the time of your initial visit.
• Ultrasound — A procedure which records sound waves reflected from the tissues of the eye, creates a video image to permit the doctors to see inside the eye and to make special measurements.

After your examination, the doctor will thoroughly discuss the findings and make treatment recommendations. Many treatments can be performed in the office, although many surgical procedures are performed in a hospital operating room and require brief hospitalization.

We have the ability to perform laser treatment in each of our offices. If necessary this can be done during your initial visit.

If a medical or surgical procedure is indicated, your physician will explain all details as they relate to your particular situation and answer any questions that you may have.

Information on your evaluation, test results and treatment is always available for you, so that you may be actively involved in your care. Of course, the information will also be sent to your referring doctor so that he or she may continue to provide optimum care for you on an ongoing basis. All general eye care should be handled by your primary eye doctor.