What to Expect

The UC Davis Health System Eye Center welcomes the opportunity to participate in your eye care. We want your experience to be as pleasant and comfortable as possible. To help achieve this, we ask you read through and be aware of the following information: Please note, that not all patients will have the same experience. Use the following information as a guide only.

Checking-in for your appointment:
At all of our sites, please check in at the receptionist area. If you are a new patient, please plan on arriving at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment as you will need to register for your appointment and fill in necessary paperwork. Some important information to bring with you may include:

   •   Parking ticket – we can validate this for you (parking fee $2.00 with validation at the ACC clinic only)
   •   Blue UC Davis Medical Center card
   •   Insurance card
   •   Medication list – you may be asked to review a current list of medication on file
   •   Medical records from another physician (if applicable)
   •   Bring current or old eyeglasses
   •   Sunglasses in case you are dilated

Examination:
The examination and treatment that you receive at the UC Davis Health System Eye Center might be different from previous eye examinations you may have had. We provide a highly specialized ophthalmic examination that can last several hours. At the UC Davis Health System Eye Center, tests may be performed that are not routinely done at other eye physicians’ offices. Patients that are new to the eye center or new to a particular subspecialty should expect to spend 4-5 hours during a visit.

Dilation:
Most new patients will have their pupils dilated during a visit to the eye center. Dilation is a necessity for a thorough evaluation of your eyes. Usually, an ophthalmic technician will administer drops in the eye(s) to be examined and the pupil will become fully dilated in about 30-45 minutes. Dilation will cause your vision to become blurry and light will appear to be brighter than usual. Patients should plan on bringing sunglasses to their appointment, If you are concerned about driving while dilated, please bring someone to drive you home. Pupils can remain dilated for up to 24 hours.

Contact Lens Fitting:
The cost of contact lens fitting services is separate and distinct from the exam fees you are charged by the UC Davis Health System Eye Center. The contact lens prescription will include very specific information that is not determined or provided during a regular eye exam that is performed by your doctor. Please also note, that these services may require multiple office visits. A contact lens fitting takes longer than a regular eye exam, so please allow your self plenty of time. When making an appointment, be sure to let the office know that you need a contact lens fitting not just a regular eye examination.

Medical Records:
When seeing one of our ophthalmologists for the first time, it is often helpful for them to review your past medical records from other offices you may have visited. Examples of past ophthalmic records may be photography, fluorescein angiograms or visual fields. Please also bring records of previous surgeries or other eye exams. If you are scheduled to see a neuro-ophthalmologist, we ask that you hand-carry MRI/CT films and clinic notes to our office.

Professionals You Might Encounter during your exam:

Ophthalmic Technician / Ophthalmic Assistant
The ophthalmic technician is usually the first person a patient encounters after check-in. The type of technician, has received specialized training in various ophthalmic procedures such as assessing a person’s vision, performing various tests such as visual fields and measuring intraocular pressure and administering vision color tests.

Ophthalmic Resident
A resident is a licensed doctor of medicine and surgery in the state of California. Residents have completed medical school and an internship in medicine and are now obtaining specialized training in ophthalmology. A resident is typically enrolled on our training program for three years.

Ophthalmology Fellow
A fellow is a licensed physician and residency trained ophthalmologist, now obtaining subspecialty training in retina, glaucoma and cornea. A fellow is typically enrolled in our program for two years.

Optician
An optician is a person trained in the selection, manufacture and dispensing of eye glasses and contact lenses. The American Board of Opticianry tests and certifies opticians.

Optometrist
An optometrist (O.D.) is a primary eye care provider who diagnoses, manages and treats disorders of the visual system. Typically, one would see an optometrist for an eye glass prescription. During the exam, the optometrist will evaluate the overall health of the eye and if the need arises may refer you to a subspecialist within our practice. O.D.s must complete four years of post graduate optometry school for their training.

Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) and surgeon who has completed medical school, an internship and a residency in ophthalmology. You may see an ophthalmologist who specializes in various specialties.

Ophthalmic Imaging Specialist
An ophthalmic imaging specialist is an individual who has received specialized training in ophthalmic imaging procedures such as fluorescein angiography, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound. Not all patients will require imaging at their appointment.