Why these things matter
Most of what you bring helps the doctor compare. Your current glasses show what prescription you have been wearing, so the doctor can see how much has changed. Your medications matter because some affect the eyes, tear film or eye pressure. Your health and family history help decide which tests make sense for you. The AOA lists diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of eye disease, and medications with eye side effects among the things that put someone at higher risk, so the doctor will want to know about them.
The checklist
Print this or screenshot it the day before your visit.
Eyewear
- Every pair of glasses you wear now: distance, computer, reading, and prescription sunglasses
- Store-bought readers, if you use them (note the strength printed on the arm)
- Contact lenses, plus the box, foil or a photo of the label showing brand and power
- Your contact lens case and solution, if you will remove lenses during the visit
Paperwork and coverage
- Photo ID
- Vision insurance card
- Medical insurance card (bring it even for a routine exam)
- HSA or FSA card, if you plan to use one
- Any eye records or prescriptions from a previous eye doctor, if you have them
- A referral, if your medical plan requires one for a specialist visit
Health information
- A list of medications, eye drops and supplements, or photos of the labels
- Health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disease
- Family eye history: glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts at a young age, or vision loss
- Past eye surgery, injury or infection, and roughly when it happened
- Allergies, especially to eye drops or medications
Your questions
- What bothers you most about your vision right now
- When it happens: driving at night, reading, long screen sessions, end of day
- Anything new: floaters, flashes, headaches, dryness, redness
- Your hobbies and work setup, such as screen distance or safety eyewear needs
- Whether you want to talk about contacts, new glasses, or both
If your eyes may be dilated
- Sunglasses
- A driver, or a plan to wait until your vision clears
- A lighter schedule afterward; close-up work may be hard for a few hours
About dilation
Dilating drops widen the pupil so the doctor can see more of the retina and optic nerve. The doctor will explain why before using them. Effects usually last several hours, and can last longer in light-colored eyes. The most common effects are light sensitivity and blurry near vision. Sunglasses help a lot. Not every visit includes dilation, and we can tell you whether it is likely when we confirm your appointment.
Writing down your symptoms
The few minutes you spend with notes often save the most time in the exam chair. Instead of “my eyes feel tired,” try something specific: “after about two hours on my laptop, the screen looks fuzzy and I rub my eyes.” Specific details point the doctor to the right tests and lens options.
If you have sudden vision loss, a curtain or shadow over your vision, a burst of new floaters or flashes, severe eye pain, or a chemical in your eye, do not wait for a routine appointment. Call 911, go to an emergency department, or see an eye doctor the same day.
For contact lens wearers
If you want a contact lens prescription, you need a contact lens fitting on top of the eye exam. Bring your lenses and packaging even if you plan to switch brands, because what you wear now is a useful starting point. Our guide to eye exams vs contact lens exams explains the difference.
Next step
Once your checklist is ready, request a time that suits you. See what happens during a comprehensive eye exam, and check the visit page for directions and parking.