What to Expect During Your Visit
Whether it’s your first time seeing an eye specialist or you’re returning for follow-up care, knowing what to expect can help you feel at ease. At London Eye & Retina, we provide thorough, patient-centred eye examinations using modern technology and evidence-based practices.
Every consultation is tailored to your unique needs, whether you’re here for a routine screening, vision correction assessment, or evaluation for a specific condition.
Our Step-by-Step Eye Examination Process
Here’s how your visit typically unfolds:
1. Pre-Consultation & Registration
Upon arrival, our front desk team will assist with:
- Registration and verification of your appointment
- Collection of relevant medical and vision history
- Information about your symptoms, previous treatments, or vision goals
If you’re referred by another doctor, please bring your referral letter or any past reports.
2. Preliminary Eye Tests
Before seeing the doctor, our clinical team will perform a series of standard diagnostic tests. These may include:
- Visual acuity testing – measures how clearly you see at various distances
- Auto-refraction – provides an estimate of your eye’s prescription
- Tonometry – checks eye pressure (important for glaucoma screening)
- Colour vision and contrast sensitivity – when relevant to your condition
- Pupil dilation (if advised) – to allow better view of the retina
Your pupils may be dilated using eye drops, especially if the doctor needs to examine the retina. This may cause temporary light sensitivity and blurred near vision for a few hours.
3. Consultation with the Eye Specialist
Once preliminary testing is complete, you’ll meet with your consultant, who will:
- Review your medical history and test results
- Ask about any symptoms, lifestyle, or visual needs
- Perform a slit-lamp examination (to assess the front of the eye)
- Conduct a dilated fundus exam (to examine the retina and optic nerve)
- Carry out specialised scans (e.g. OCT, retinal imaging, corneal topography) if needed
This is also the time to ask any questions or clarify concerns you may have.
4. Diagnosis & Management Plan
After the examination, your doctor will explain:
- Any diagnoses made
- Recommended treatment or follow-up steps
- Whether further testing or referrals are needed
- Options for vision correction, medication, or surgery (if relevant)
All recommendations are based on clinical findings, international best practices, and individualised care planning.
5. Follow-Up and Prescription
You will receive:
- A summary of your diagnosis and plan
- A prescription for spectacles or medications, if required
- Follow-up appointment schedule (if needed)
- Referral letters or imaging results for other specialists (if relevant)
Our front desk team will guide you on booking your next visit, filling prescriptions, or arranging insurance paperwork.
Additional Notes
- Duration: A complete eye exam usually takes 45–90 minutes, especially if pupil dilation or specialised imaging is required.
- Bring your glasses or contact lens details, especially if you’re coming for a vision correction evaluation.
- Avoid driving immediately after dilation, you may want to bring sunglasses or arrange transport.
Comprehensive, Patient-First Care
Our aim is to make your visit as smooth and informative as possible. Whether you’re seeking treatment for an existing condition or simply staying proactive about your eye health, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, with clarity and care.
Book Your Eye Consultation
Ready for your eye exam? Whether it’s your first visit or a follow-up, we welcome you to experience thoughtful, expert-led care at London Eye & Retina.
