Handy question tips that help during Sydney eye clinic appointments

• October 20, 2022

What questions are you asking your Sydney eye clinic patients? By spending four minutes asking these eight questions, you can significantly increase both your capture rate and your second pair sales.

Who knows, you may even uncover additional medical conditions as well!

• Please describe what you currently wear?
  This simple question helps determine what the patient is wearing, and just as important, what they are not wearing. It is a good ice breaker question. It also gives the Sydney eye clinic direction about other visual options that the patient needs such as sun wear, occupational wear or contact lenses.
• Describe what you dislike about your current visual solution?
  This question is built to determine where to focus, and which areas you need to fix or alter. For example, a patient may report glare at night, giving you a great reason to prescribe new visual solutions.
• Do you have any special vision needs for your hobbies or occupation? Please describe. This opens the door for a conversation about second or third pairs of eyewear.
• Do you suffer from any of the following? Eyestrain, dry or irritated eyes, itchy eyes, fluctuating vision, headache, or red eyes.
  This question is to pull out visual issues that many people do not associate with allergies, dry eyes, accommodative issues, or convergence issues.
• How many hours a day/night do you use a computer? 
  The goal of this question is to determine the patient’s near point needs and the potential need for occupational eyewear.
• Do you have trouble focusing in the distance after reading or using the computer for more than 10 minutes? 
  This helps identify accommodative or early presbyopia problems.
• Do you have trouble reading street signs or with seeing glare from oncoming headlights at night? 
  We are looking for glare issues and the ability to sell anti-glare solutions.
• Will you be purchasing eye wear, sun wear or contact lenses today?
  Use this as your final question. If the answer is “yes,” it will be an easy sale. If the patient says, “maybe,” you need to look for prescription changes.

Preparing ahead of time can help you best manage your vision health. Here are some questions you can take along when you visit a Sydney eye clinic.

• What tests will we be doing today, and do they include a dilated Sydney eye clinic exam to check for diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration?
• Is there anything about my medical or family history that puts me at higher risk for eye disease?
• Are there symptoms to watch for and ways to monitor my eye health?
• How often do you recommend I return for a comprehensive Sydney eye clinic exam?
• Are there lifestyle changes that might lower my risk?

Things to bring to your appointment:

• Your health insurance information and a photo ID
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses you currently wear
• Information on any history of eye disease in your family
• A list of your medications, allergies, and other conditions
• A notepad and pen, or digital device, to take notes
• A friend or relative to accompany you if possible

If You are Diagnosed with an Eye Disease

Take an active role in the understanding and treatment of your condition. Here are some questions to ask your Sydney eye clinic when you discuss your diagnosis.

• Am I likely to need medications or surgery, now or in the future?
• Do these medications have any side effects?
• Will insurance cover these treatments, or is financial assistance available?
• What symptoms should I watch for, and do I need to contact you about any right away?
• Should I be concerned about driving?
• How often will you check my eyes to make sure they are not getting worse?
• Could I benefit from low vision services–such as occupational therapy or technological aids–to help me use my remaining vision?
• Do you have any materials or other suggestions on how I can learn more about this disease?

Additional questions to ask

1. Which Tests Will Be Performed?

Knowing what your eye doctor will do will put your mind at ease if you have any anxiety before your next Sydney eye clinic exam. You’ll also feel more comfortable.

Find out any instruments they will use to perform tests. You should also find out why specific tests are being conducted.

Do not hesitate to ask about the potential health risks and side effects of the tests. For instance, by knowing that a particular test will interfere with your vision, you can arrange for someone to drive you home after your appointment.

It never hurts to be well-informed and prepared, especially when it comes to your vision!

2. What Do My Results Mean?

The ophthalmologist will pick tests to give insights into your vision based on your eye issues or symptoms. Once the results are out, find out from your eye doctor what the results mean.

When you have your results, you can discuss any next steps that you may need to take. If anything is not clear, do not hesitate to ask your ophthalmologist to give you any further clarification.

3. Are Follow-Up Visits Necessary?

Many people don’t bother scheduling follow-up visits with their eye doctor frequently if they don’t have an eye condition or problems with their vision. You only have one set of precious eyes and taking good care of them should be a top priority.

The only way to do that is by visiting your eye doctor regularly. Even if you believe your eye health is excellent, preventative care can catch any issues before they escalate.

That’s why it’s so important to talk to your ophthalmologist about how often you should schedule your Sydney eye clinic examinations. The number of Sydney eye clinic exams you need will likely change depending on age.

As you get older, you’ll need more frequent Sydney eye clinic exams.

4. Should I Make Any Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Eye Diseases and Disorders?

To avoid common eye disorders and diseases, the doctors at Takle Eye Group recommend asking whether it’s necessary to make any lifestyle changes. Your ophthalmologist will educate you on the steps to take to keep your eyes safe and as healthy as possible.

For instance, you may discover that certain foods can protect your eye health and reducing screen time will prevent dry eyes. Armed with this information, you can start treating your eyes with more respect and know that your vision will last you many more years!

Related: How often should you visit a Sydney eye clinic

What questions are you asking your Sydney eye clinic patients? By spending four minutes asking these eight questions, you can significantly increase both your capture rate and your second pair sales. Who knows, you may even uncover additional medical conditions as well! Preparing ahead of time can help you best manage your vision health. Here are some questions…