Ophthalmology Patient Resources

It's always a possibility we may need to dilate your pupils during the appointment. If we need to dilate your pupils but you drove alone and wouldn’t feel comfortable driving yourself home after dilation, we can see you again when someone can drive you.

Needing a driver depends on what you're having done at the appointment. If you don’t feel comfortable driving, we can schedule an appointment for a later date when you'd have a driver.

Since our doctors are specialty physicians, please plan to spend 2-4 hours in our office. The physicians spend as much time as needed with each patient, and emergency patients are common in our practice. As a result, you may experience a wait time. We’ll try to keep you informed of any delays. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you, as we do understand how frustrating this can be. If you’re diabetic or use oxygen, please prepare for the potentially long wait. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

Before coming to your appointment, fill out our new patient paperwork (PDF). You’ll need to bring:

• A completed copy of your new patient paperwork 
• Driver’s license or state-issued identification 
• Insurance card(s) 
• Payment (if applicable) in the form of cash, check or credit card 
• Please note: Co-payments and self-pay balances are due at the time of service 
• Any CT/MRI scans (actual scan or report) performed recently or related to your visit

If your insurance carrier requires that you have a referral or authorization to see one of our specialists (this usually applies when the insurance is an HMO-, POS-based policy), you will need to tell your primary care physician to call the referral into your insurance carrier. If you're unsure if you need a referral or authorization for your visit, it's your responsibility to contact your insurance carrier.

At the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, there are standard precautions in place to minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and increase the safety of our patients and staff. We’ve implemented measures that include restriction of visitors, staggered appointments, modified seating in waiting areas, and thorough sanitization between patients. When you arrive for your appointment, our staff will check your temperature and ask you about symptoms, potential exposure and recent travel history. A surgical mask will be provided for you to wear for the duration of your visit.

In addition to following the medical center’s guidance, specific safety precautions are in place to ensure that our services remain safe and effective. During eye exams, innovative protective barriers are used on all slit lamps so that the physician can get an up-close look at your eyes without risk of infection. Most essential equipment for patient examinations has been modified with similar protective shields.

If you’re hesitant about receiving in-person care during the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth appointments could be a more accessible and convenient option. Even if we can’t complete full eye exams through video chat, our physicians can accomplish many of the same tasks that they see patients for in the office. Video capabilities allow your doctor to examine the anterior segment and external eye, which can lead to discussion of potential causes and even diagnosis of common eye issues, such as infections. Talking to your physician over the phone can also simplify the way you manage your condition and medications.

View more telehealth information

Before your surgical procedure, a nurse will collect information about your health, fitness, previous operations, allergies and more. This helps prepare the surgeon, the anesthesiologist and you by identifying any potential anesthetic, surgical or postoperative complications. You might be referred to undergo additional tests if they’re required for your specific surgery or if it’s medically applicable based on your medical profile.

You’ll also receive pre- and post-surgery instructions to help ensure that you’re completely informed about what to expect.

Your physician might prescribe eye drops to help your recovery. Call us at 614-293-8116 if you have any questions about your drops.

You must have a responsible adult (over 18) bring you to the surgery, be on-site or reachable during your surgery, listen to discharge instructions and drive you home.

Even if you take public transportation (taxi, bus, transportation service or medical transportation) to get here, we need to know that an adult other than the transportation driver can monitor your condition.

You may take a bath or shower the morning of your surgery. Wear casual, loose-fitting clothing.

Leave your valuables at home, except for your insurance card, photo ID and payment (if required).

• Remove all jewelry, including your wedding ring and all body piercings. 
• Don’t wear makeup, perfume or cologne.
• Bring a storage case for contact lenses or glasses, as they can't be worn during surgery.
• Bring a list of your medications, vitamins and supplements with doses and times taken.

Don’t eat or chew anything after midnight the night before your surgery.

• No food, gum, mints, hard candy, cough drops or chewing tobacco.
• When brushing your teeth, avoid swallowing anything.
• Take morning medicines with a small sip of water unless instructed otherwise.
• No alcohol or non-clear beverages, such as orange juice, milk or coffee.
• Carefully follow your provider’s personalized instructions regarding drinking before surgery.

Your surgery will be delayed or canceled if you don't follow these instructions.

Learn more

Before surgery

You should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your surgery, unless you’re told to arrive sooner. Once you check in at the reception desk, our staff will ensure that you’re identified correctly for your procedure and that you complete necessary paperwork.

Your family members or support person can receive text updates on the progression of surgery. They’ll need to stay in the facility during your procedure in case we need to ask them for information or if a care team member needs to talk to them.

During surgery

You’ll be taken back to the operating room from your private preparation area. The operating room staff will greet you and prepare you for surgery. We’ll ask you to confirm your identity and the procedure you are about to have to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment.

After surgery

Once your surgery is complete, you’ll leave wearing eye shields to protect your eyes. These shields should remain on until the following morning. Expect about four hours of discomfort. We recommend taking a nap during this time, if possible. Patients are required to have a driver to get home safely. You’ll be expected to return for a post-op appointment the following morning.

At home

If you have any concerns after your surgery, refer to the post-op guide you received, and please contact your surgeon if additional questions arise. If you have any emergency needs, please go to the closest emergency department. You’ll receive a call from a nurse at the Outpatient Surgery Center the next business day to see how you’re feeling.

Our first concern is your recovery and any medical issues you may have, which is why it’s important that we continue to follow up after your surgery. We encourage you to ask questions or share concerns when we call you.

The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center accepts most major commercial, marketplace, Medicaid and Medicare insurance carriers in addition to receiving payment from insurance plans aiding specific patient populations or giving access to select health care services.

Before scheduling an eye appointment or procedure, contact your insurance carrier to fully understand your policy's benefits and any pre-visit requirements.

View more insurance information

How will I be billed for my appointment?

You’ll be billed for all health care services that you receive. You may receive two bills:

• Ohio State doctors' services are billed by Ohio State University Physicians (OSUP).
• Hospital services (room cost, nursing care, supplies and medicines) are billed by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's Central Business office.

If you provide us with insurance information, we’ll bill your insurance as a courtesy to you except in the case of a limited number of services. If you have a secondary insurance carrier, we’ll bill that carrier after your primary payer has paid or denied your claim.

View more billing information

Do I need to pay today?

Many insurance companies require a co-pay at the time of your appointment. Please contact your insurance company if your‘e unsure if this applies to you. If you don’t have insurance or financial assistance in place at the time of your service, you’ll be required to pay a deposit of $250 at the time of your appointment as a new patient. Feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns. 

View financial assistance information