The Eye Clinic4 min read
A first visit to an eye specialist is a little different from a routine eye test — it's more thorough, and it often involves dilating drops. A bit of preparation makes the whole thing smoother. Here's what to know before you come in.
What to bring
Bring your current glasses (and your prescription if you have it), a list of any medications you take, and your referral letter if your GP or optometrist gave you one. If you've had eye scans or treatment elsewhere, any records or details are helpful too.
It also helps to jot down your main concerns and any questions beforehand — it's easy to forget them on the day, and we want to make sure everything you're wondering about gets answered.
Allow up to two hours
A specialist assessment is unhurried by design. Between the checks, imaging, time for your eyes to dilate, and a proper conversation with Dr Leong, a first visit can take up to two hours — so it's best not to book anything tight straight afterwards.
You won't be in the chair the whole time; some of it is simply waiting for the dilating drops to work.
Why we dilate your eyes
For most first visits we put in drops that widen your pupils. This lets Dr Leong get a clear, detailed view of the retina at the back of the eye — where many important conditions are found. It's painless, but it makes your vision blurry and your eyes sensitive to light for a few hours.
Because of that, please arrange for someone to drive you home, or plan to take a taxi or public transport. It's not safe to drive straight after dilation, and sunglasses help with the brightness on the way out.
During the appointment
You'll have your vision and eye pressure checked, often some imaging such as an OCT scan, and a thorough examination. Dr Leong will explain what he finds in plain language, talk through any treatment options, and agree a plan with you — and we keep your GP and optometrist informed.
There are no silly questions. If anything isn't clear, just ask — understanding what's going on is part of good care.