Appointments

We ask that patients arrive 15 minutes in advance of their scheduled appointments to assure that all the necessary information is in place.

Initial appointments with Dr. Betchkal require quite a bit of testing to monitor the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of on-going treatments. As a result, a thorough examination and discussion with the physician may take up to 2 or 3 hours.

Dilation of pupils will be done on almost every new patient in order to do a complete ophthalmic evaluation. Dilation takes 30 to 45 minutes, but the effects can last an average of 4 to 6 hours. In some cases, the effects persist up to 24 hours. Blurry vision is usually a side effect so it is strongly suggested that patients have someone who can drive them home from their appointment.

What to Bring

• Insurance card and/or Medicare cards and pharmacy cards
• Copy of the authorization notice from your insurance carrier, if appropriate
• Any records or test information you have from a previous ophthalmologist that may be helpful
• Contact information of referring physician
• Prescription eye glasses (even if they are old or you wear contact lenses)
• Sunglasses (for after dilation)
• List of medications (including eye medications, supplements and over the counter medicine)
• If you are diabetic, bring snacks in anticipation of a long visit