What to Expect at Your First Exam: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

What to Expect at Your First Exam: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

A Relaxed, Informative Experience

Many patients feel a bit of white coat syndrome before an eye exam. At Ackerson EyeCare, our process is designed to be informative, relaxed, and focused on your long-term health. We view your exam as a collaborative partnership, not just a quick chart check.

The Exam Workflow

Your comprehensive exam typically includes:

  • Medical History Review: We start by understanding your visual goals, family history, and any concerns you might be experiencing.
  • Vision and Prescription Analysis: We use digital tools to establish a precise starting point for your prescription.
  • Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: This is where we shine. We utilize technologies like Wide-field retinal imaging and OCT scans to establish a medical baseline of your ocular health. This allows us to see beneath the surface of the retina and optic nerve, detecting subtle health changes that standard charts cannot see.
  • The Discussion: Dr. Ackerson will review these images with you, explaining exactly what we see. We believe an educated patient is a healthy patient, so we take the time to answer all your questions.

Technology for Comfort

We have carefully selected our equipment to maximize comfort. From high-speed digital mapping to comfortable, non-invasive imaging, most of our diagnostic steps require no puffs of air or harsh lights. Our goal is to ensure you leave feeling more informed about your eye health than when you arrived.

Common Patient Questions

Can I drive after being dilated? Most patients can drive safely after dilation, though your eyes will be sensitive to light (sunglasses are recommended!). However, if you are experiencing significant blurriness or have advanced cataracts, you should arrange for a driver.

What does a cataract look like? Contrary to popular belief, a cataract is not a film over the eye that can be seen from the front. It is a clouding of the internal lens behind the pupil. If the whole color part of the eye appears light or white, this is usually indicative of a different condition, such as a chemical burn, rather than a standard cataract.

A Relaxed, Informative Experience

Many patients feel a bit of white coat syndrome before an eye exam. At Ackerson EyeCare, our process is designed to be informative, relaxed, and focused on your long-term health. We view your exam as a collaborative partnership, not just a quick chart check.

The Exam Workflow

Your comprehensive exam typically includes:

  • Medical History Review: We start by understanding your visual goals, family history, and any concerns you might be experiencing.
  • Vision and Prescription Analysis: We use digital tools to establish a precise starting point for your prescription.
  • Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: This is where we shine. We utilize technologies like Wide-field retinal imaging and OCT scans to establish a medical baseline of your ocular health. This allows us to see beneath the surface of the retina and optic nerve, detecting subtle health changes that standard charts cannot see.
  • The Discussion: Dr. Ackerson will review these images with you, explaining exactly what we see. We believe an educated patient is a healthy patient, so we take the time to answer all your questions.

Technology for Comfort

We have carefully selected our equipment to maximize comfort. From high-speed digital mapping to comfortable, non-invasive imaging, most of our diagnostic steps require no puffs of air or harsh lights. Our goal is to ensure you leave feeling more informed about your eye health than when you arrived.

Common Patient Questions

Can I drive after being dilated? Most patients can drive safely after dilation, though your eyes will be sensitive to light (sunglasses are recommended!). However, if you are experiencing significant blurriness or have advanced cataracts, you should arrange for a driver.

What does a cataract look like? Contrary to popular belief, a cataract is not a film over the eye that can be seen from the front. It is a clouding of the internal lens behind the pupil. If the whole color part of the eye appears light or white, this is usually indicative of a different condition, such as a chemical burn, rather than a standard cataract.

Discover more from

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading