Appointments and Exams
Appointments may be scheduled at any our conveniently located offices located throughout Missouri and Illinois by calling 314-367-1181 or 800-888-0011. All appointments begin with a technician, who will perform the initial testing. There will be a period of time necessary for this evaluation and subsequent dilation of your eyes prior to examination by the physician.
Your appointment may take one to four hours for an initial visit, and one to three hours for a return appointment. Your visit may take longer if extensive tests are required, or if you have a complex problem.
Both eyes will usually be dilated. Wearing sunglasses will make you more comfortable when you leave the office. We recommend having someone drive you home from your appointment. If you are seen as an emergency, you will be worked into the office schedule and you will be examined as quickly as possible.
Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Special testing
Your physician may request color (fundus) photography, ocular coherence tomography (OCT) and/or fluorescein angiography to assist in establishing or confirming a diagnosis.
Fluorescein angiography requires that you be given a intravenous injection of dye. No x-rays are involved.
Other tests including ultrasound, potential acuity meter (PAM) measurements, indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, electroretinography (ERG), visual evoked potential (VEP) and visual fields will be performed if your doctor believes that they are necessary. These test are used to access visual function, locate problem areas and document the amount of visual loss that you are experiencing.
What to bring
The physicians and staff of The Retina Institute strive to give you the best care possible. When planning for your appointment, please bring the following with you.
Sunglasses
A list and/or bottles of all eye drops you currently use, prescription and over-the-counter
A list and/or actual containers of all medicines you currently take, prescription and over-the-counter
Your health insurance card(s) and your co-pay, if required
Picture identification such as a driver's license
A current address and phone number of your medical doctor and eye doctor
Address and phone number of your pharmacy
Someone to drive you home, as both your eyes will be dilated
referrals
Authorization or referral from your primary care physician if required. If necessary, please arrange for a referral with your HMO primary care physician prior to the date of the appointment. Referrals are the responsibility of the patient. Patients without the necessary referral, if required, could be denied service.
The referral may be called in to 314-367-1181 extension 2021, weekdays between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. It can also be faxed to 314-968-5117, at least 24 hours before the appointment.
No Insurance or High Deductible
If you do not have medical insurance or you have a high deductible, you will be expected to bring a minimum down payment of $300.00 at the time of service, or you will be required to have a credit card on file.
Please advise the receptionist if you are currently residing in a Skilled Nursing Facility (Nursing Home).