Every visit to Galileo SurgiCenter and NextGen Laser Vision follows the same path. Knowing it ahead of time makes the wait easier, and helps you plan how long to stay.
Before you leave home
Bring these with you:
- Your glasses, and your contact lenses with their case
- A list of the medicines and eye drops you take
- Previous eye reports or prescriptions, if you have them
- Your PhilHealth, senior citizen, PWD or HMO details
- Someone to take you home, if your pupils may be widened
If you wear soft contact lenses and are coming for a refractive screening, ask reception how long to leave them out first. Lenses change the shape of the cornea for a while, and that affects the measurements.
Step by step
- Reception. You check in, your photo is taken for your record, and you fill in a short health form. Reception may ask a few questions to complete it.
- Eye pressure. A staff member measures the pressure inside your eyes. It takes seconds and is a basic check for glaucoma.
- Vision and refraction. An optometrist measures how well you see and works out your prescription. The nurse and optometrist also note what brought you in.
- The eye doctor. The ophthalmologist examines your eyes, asks more questions, explains what they find and recommends treatment or further tests.
- Tests, medicines and glasses. If you need special tests, they are done next. You can fill your prescription at the pharmacy, or have glasses made by the optician, if you wish.
- Payment. You settle your bill at the payment counter.
- Your next appointment. Reception or a patient assistant gives you the date of your next visit, if you need one.
About waiting. The eye doctor gives each patient the time they need, so there can be a wait before step 4. Wi-Fi and refreshments are available while you wait.
If your pupils are widened
Many examinations need drops that widen (dilate) the pupils, so the doctor can see the back of the eye. The drops take a while to work, and for a few hours afterwards your vision is blurred and bright light feels uncomfortable. Do not drive home. Sunglasses help.
Paying for your visit
Cash, cheque, card and electronic payments are accepted. Some procedures are partly covered by PhilHealth and by HMOs. Bring your details, and reception can help you check what your plan covers.
Your information
Your records are kept on the clinic’s computer system and used only for your care. The paper form you fill in at reception is entered into your record.
This guide explains; it does not diagnose. Your doctor’s advice about your own eyes comes first.