What to expect at your appointment

Family members and other Companions

We do not allow family members or other companions to attend the appointment unless a patient needs assistance. Our staff will help you as much as possible, and will contact your ride once you are done.

We can consider scheduling a virtual visit over the phone with you and your family member(s) if you would like a family conference with your doctor.

Children

Due to the length of the appointment, we discourage bringing your children or grandchildren to this appointment. It is not possible to look after them while you are taking these tests since we do not provide childcare at the office. We recommend that you arrange for someone to take care of your children during this appointment instead of bringing them with you.

Check Location

If you are not familiar with the area where we are located, you can find our location here.

Registration

Please assist us by filling out the patient questionnaire provided to you (for new patients) or by filling out the questionnaire(s) sent to your mobile phone or email address.

Please have your provincial health card ready for presentation.

Notify reception if you have a specified time for Handi-Transit pick-up or if you have an oxygen tank.

Waiting Area

After registering, you will be asked to sit in the waiting area until a technician comes to get you. There are three waiting areas, one in the main clinic, one in GEM Lab (unit 204) which is down the hall where testing takes place, and a smaller one in the clinic area closer to the exam rooms.

There is a wheelchair accessible public washroom available in the larger waiting area, and public washrooms down the hall closer to GEM Lab.

Feel free to bring reading material or paperwork to pass the time. There is free WiFi and TV entertainment.

Please note that smoking is prohibited on the premises.

Testing at GEM Lab (Unit 204)

Your tests will be indicated on your appointment letter or follow-up note.

Please see the section on "Tests" to get specific information about how these tests are conducted and whether there are any fees (most are covered by your provincial health insurance).

In general, these tests will be run by the technicians and may take 30-40 minutes in total, prior to seeing the doctor. Testing is done at GEM Lab, which is down the hall from the main clinic, Unit 204. You will be instructed on how to perform these tests. The results of these tests will be explained by the doctor after (s)he examines you. Companions are not allowed in some of the testing/ procedure areas.

In addition, one of the technician's will do a preliminary work-up to ask you about your medical history, medications, allergies, eye issues, test your vision, and apply eye drops ("numbing" drops - that last 10-15 minutes and possibly "dilating" drops that last several hours).

Internal Waiting Area

After your preliminary testing, you are seated in the internal waiting area before being called into the Doctor's examining room. This takes a variable amount of time (20-40 minutes on average). As this is a smaller waiting room, we reserve this seating area for patients only.

We ask that people refrain from loud talking or cell phone calls in this area.

Consultation with the doctor

Once the doctor is ready for you, you will be taken to one of the examination rooms and seated. It is important for you (and your companion) to switch off your cell phones while in the doctor's examination room. Your doctor will examine your eyes thoroughly and explain the process as (s)he examines you.

Numbing eyes drops (effect lasts 10 minutes) will be applied to your eyes to make sure the examination is comfortable for you.

The examination only takes a few minutes and will not hurt. The doctor will look into your eyes with an upright microscope and various other instruments. (See details of testing under "Tests and Fees").

The doctor will then turn to the computer and review all your test results and enter the information into your chart.

After this, your doctor will discuss the results with you (and your companion, if present) and be able to answer your questions.

The time with the doctor is the most important part of the visit and can take a variable amount of time depending on the problem. If you are being offered surgery for either cataract or glaucoma, this will be discussed with you as thoroughly as time permits. Detailed information will be given to you by handout or via email. You can also check this website for more information.

Regarding cell phones

Since your time with the doctor is limited, please do not waste it by taking cell phone calls while seeing the doctor. Switch off your cell phone while in the doctor's examination room. If you or your companion takes a cell phone call during your time with the doctor, (s)he may choose to see another patient while you are on the phone, or reschedule the appointment.