Your Initial Visit

How long will it take?

Please plan to be in our office for 1-3 hours for your initial appointment. This amount of time will allow for patient registration, a comprehensive review of your history, time for pupil dilation, the doctor's exam and any testing or in-office procedures you may need. The total appointment time will vary depending on the complexity of your retinal problem. Follow-up visits are often shorter in duration.

We often need to see unscheduled patients because the retina is subject to diseases that sometimes require emergency treatment. It is our priority to provide expedient care to all of our patients, but, in the case of an emergency, we need to treat those with the greatest need as quickly as possible.

How will testing affect my vision?

You will have your eyes dilated, which takes about 10-30 minutes. Dilation will make it very difficult for you to drive safely. We highly recommend that you bring someone that can drive you home.

What should I bring with me?

A family member or friend to drive you home after your appointment

Prescription glasses if you wear them

A dark pair of sunglasses to wear after your appointment

Completed Patient Forms you received in the mail

A translator/interpreter if needed

Insurance referral from your eye doctor or medical doctor if needed

Your insurance cards

A co-pay if one is required by your insurance

What if I can not keep my appointment?

If you know you cannot keep an appointment, please cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled time, so that others may be given the opportunity to be seen by the physician sooner. You can use the same telephone number for our Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Ithaca, and New Hartford locations: 1-315-445-8166

To expedite your office visit please fill out all patient forms at home and bring them to your visit. For directions to our office click here.