A basic plan can help you make the most of your appointment whether you are starting with a new doctor or continuing with the doctor you’ve seen for years. The following tips will make it easier for you and your doctor to cover everything you need to talk about.

1. Make a list and prioritize your concerns

   Make a list of what you want to discuss. For example, do you have a new symptom you want to ask the doctor about? Are you concerned about how a treatment is affecting your daily life? If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them in order and ask about the most important ones first. Don’t put off the things that are really on your mind until the end of your appointment—bring them up right away!

2. Take information with you to the doctor

   We recommend that you bring a list of everything you take and the dose and for what. You should also take your health insurance cards, names and phone numbers of other doctors you see, and your medical records if the doctor doesn’t already have them. If a list is not available, put all your prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements in a bag and bring them with you.

3. Consider bringing a family member or friend to the doctor’s visit

   Sometimes it is helpful to bring a family member or close friend with you. Let your family member or friend know in advance what you want from your visit. Your companion can remind you what you planned to discuss with the doctor if you forget. She or he can take notes for you and can help you remember what the doctor said. Don’t let your companion take too strong a role. The visit is between you and the doctor.
   PS: With COVID rules in place, we limited the companions unless absolutely necessary.
   

4. Keep your doctor up to date

   Let your doctor know what has happened in your life since your last visit. If you have been treated in the emergency room or by a specialist, tell the doctor right away.
   

5. Be sure you can see and hear as well as possible

   Many older people use glasses or need aids for hearing. Remember to take your eyeglasses to the doctor’s visit. If you have a hearing aid, make sure that it is working well and wear it. Let the doctor and staff know if you have a hard time seeing or hearing.
   

6. Request an interpreter if you need one

   Always let the doctor, your interpreter, or the staff know if you do not understand your diagnosis or the instructions the doctor gives you. Don’t let language barriers stop you from asking questions or voicing your concerns.
   

7. Your current glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses if you wear them.

   Bring all of the eyewear you have been using since your last exam. Your optometrist will compare your new prescription to the one(s) you have been using and let you know if they are the best prescription for you. If you wear contact lenses, you will likely be asked to remove them at some time during the exam, so be prepared and bring your case and solutions along too.
   

8. A list of your current medications, supplements and any eyedrops you use.

   In order for your ophthalmologist to provide the optimum care, they need to know all medications, supplements and eyedrops you are currently using, not just the ones that are directly linked to your eyes.  Many medications have side effects that can affect your eyes and vision.  It is best if you can include the dosage and how often you take them too.
   

9. Your planner

   While you are in the office ask if you can book your next exam.  Your ophthalmologist will have just told you when would be a good time to get everything checked again, or may have recommended a schedule for follow-up.
   

10. Please present your VALID Health Card at each visit

    We now ask that you please present your Health Card when checking in for each appointment. We must verify that it is valid and has not expired. Any resident of Ontario must have a health card to show that health care services will be paid for by OHIP. What if I forget to bring my health care when I go for health care? Your doctor may cancel your appointment or you may be charged for any health service provided if you do not have your valid health card.
    

11. Bring a Driver

    You will not be able to drive this day because of the dilating drops, so please arrange for a driver.

12. Scent-Free Office (Scent-Free Policy for the Workplace/No Scents Makes Sense)

    Please note, that our office is a scent-free office. Out of consideration for staff and other patients, please refrain from wearing any perfumes, colognes or smoking. If strong scents or odours are detected, you may have to be rescheduled.

13. Eye-Drops

    If you use glaucoma drops, please use them as usual on the day of the visit. We need to see how is your eye-pressure doing under the effect of these drops. Bring the drops with you. It is easier to verify the drops kind, generic or original and modify the drops when you have the actual bottle with you.
    If you are preparing for the Cataract Testing, please use the lubricating or artificial tears 4 times per days for the week before the visit.
    

14. Allow Extra Time for the Visit

    We are a very efficient office, so we try to finish a much of the testing and treatment on the same day of the visit. This will take longer time but would avoid brining you back multiple times. Please allow more time for the visit to be able to finish what we need to do for you.
    

15. MUST MASK

    Not everyone that has COVID-19 or any other infectious disease has symptoms. Some people do not even realize that they are infected. Wearing a mask or a face covering reduces the risk of infection. We have a high risk group of patients that we need to protect. Even when the pandemic is over, we require that all our patients, companions and staff wear masks at all times when at the office. Your cooperation is much appreciated.
    

16. Method of Payments

    We have the most advanced testing and treatments available at your disposal at our centre. While most of the health care services we provide are covered by OHIP, there are some tests and services that are not covered.  These charges are established by the Ontario Medical Association and are reviewed on an annual basis. Please bring with you a method of payment to cover the cost of these service if they are required.

17. Zero-Tolerance to Any Form Of Abuse

    We are committed to providing a safe, secure and respectful environment for all patients and staff. Words or actions that make others feel threatened or demeaned will not be tolerated and decisive action will be taken to protect patients and staff. Disruptive Behaviour like the use of inappropriate words, actions or inactions as disruptive behaviour. Inappropriate Actions/Inactions includes Violence (physical attacks or threats of harm), Intimidation, Throwing, damaging property or breaking things, Unwelcomed physical contact, Refusing to leave the property. Inappropriate Words (in person, by phone, or any means of communication) includes Abusive language and yelling, Disrespectful or demeaning language/comments, Remarks, jokes or innuendos that degrade, ridicule or offend, Discriminatory remarks, Threats or threatening behaviour, Bullying and Sexual Harassment. Immediate action will be taken when incidents described above occur. Individual(s) may be asked to leave, the police may be called or the individual(s) may face dismissal from our practice.
    

18. Makeup Rules

    For a regular exam visit or for a simple laser procedure, it is okay to wear makeup but it can be messed up by the eyedrops that we might need to use to do the exam, but that can be easily fixed. However if you are coming for a open surgical procedure, that is different. On the day of your procedure, you cannot wear makeup. It’s best to avoid wearing eye makeup for a minimum of 24 hours before your procedure. If you wear eyelash extensions, you’ll need to have those removed. Similarly, you likely won’t be able to replace or refill your eyelash extensions for a minimum of a month post-procedure. You cannot wear makeup immediately after your procedure. Typically, you’ll be instructed to avoid eye makeup (such as mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow) for at least a week following the surgery to best support the healing process. You may be able to wear face products, like foundation or concealer, within a few days of your surgery, provided they’re not being applied close to the eyes. Our clinical staff will provide you detailed instructions on makeup use post-procedure.
    

19. Parking Locations and Rules

    There are multiple locations around the area for parking. Paid parking on Sydney street is the closest. The details on how to pay are on the bottom of this page, pay-by-plate machine. There are more spots around the area that is shown in the map but requires you to have some business with the owner of the parking, like the Mall. There areas are highlighter in purple in this map. Click on the map to open Google Maps in a separate window,
    

20. Do not park in the THE STAFF-ONLY back parking

    Please do not park behind our building as it is a tow-away zone and only for staff. It is a very small parking and difficult to maneuver. Over the past few years we have 4 car accidents in this small parking.

21. Drop-offs or pick-ups

    Please, do not block the driveway of our neighbors during drop-off or pick-ups.
    
    

22. Use our driveway located after our office for Drop-off or Pick-up.

    

23. How to Pay for Parking (pay-by-plate machine)

    Depending on where you park, you will have access to a pay-by-plate machine or a parking meter. You can also use the WaytoPark app anywhere in the City. The video below help you navigate the new machines.
    Parking costs $1.50 per hour, with a maximum stay of 12 hours. Parking fees are charged in pay-by-plate stalls and lots Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn about fines and parking tickets.
    Free 15-minute parking stalls are available throughout the City (use the interactive map above to find them). These stalls are surrounded by a yellow line and indicated by a sign.
    If you see meters or pay-by-plate machines that aren’t working properly, contact Building and By-law at 613-930-2787 ext. 2225.