What to Expect

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to allow time for check-in and paperwork.  Plan to be at our office for about an hour from your scheduled appointment time.  This may be longer for new patients and when additional testing is required.

What to Bring to your Appointment

• Current insurance card and photo ID
• Medication list including prescription and over the counter eye drops
• Your eyeglasses (if applicable)
• Sunglasses if having a dilated eye exam
• If you wear contact lenses, please bring the most recent contact lens prescription and/or boxes
  • If your appointment is for an updated contact lens prescription, wear your contacts into the office

During Your Appointment

We strive to make your appointment as pleasant and efficient as possible.

Your eye exam will begin with an ophthalmic technician or your optometrist to take your history and perform an initial evaluation of your eyes.  Dilating eye drops will be instilled, if indicated, which take 15-20 to take effect.  Once the eyes are dilated,  your ophthalmologist or optometrist will continue with the exam and your evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan.  Additional diagnostic testing may be performed.

We will make every effort to adhere to the daily appointment schedule, however, please understand occasional unforeseen emergencies can result in delays.

Dilation

A complete eye examination will usually include pupil dilation in order to fully examine the retina and other structures in the back of the eye.   Patients coming in for a follow up or problem based visit may also require dilation depending on your history  and symptoms.

Dilation will cause the pupils to enlarge which can result in blurring of near vision and light sensitivity.  This will usually last several hours.  You may want to bring sunglasses.  Most people feel comfortable driving safely after dilation, but you may want to arrange for someone else to drive you home from the appointment.

Insurance and Referrals

Newton Wellesley Eye Associates accepts most major medical insurances.  You should always check with your health insurance to confirm your plan’s coverage and benefits.  

If your insurance requires a referral please have one in place prior to the date of your appointment in order to avoid an out of pocket payment.

Payment Policies

Co-payments and self pay fees (services not covered by your insurance) will be due at the time of the appointment.  Contact lens services are typically not covered by insurances and payment will be due at the appointment.

Please contact our billing department with any questions or concerns at 617-874-1404.

If you need to reschedule your appointment, please make every effort to cancel your visit 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.