by Melissa Lowery

Created on: November 16, 2011   Last Updated: November 18, 2011

I’ve been an ophthalmic technician for the past 15 years. These ophthalmic professionals play a vital part in the patient’s exam prior to being seen by the ophthalmologist. After the staff at the front desk, the next person the patient sees is the technician. This is where the majority of the testing in a patient’s exam is done.

The technician takes the patient into the exam room and starts the history by asking the patient to explain briefly their reason for the visit. Based on the information provided, the technician (a good one) will tailor their exam to fit the needs of the patient for the quickest yet most thorough exam possible. The next step is to check the patient’s vision with glasses or without if the patient doesn’t have a prescription.

This is followed by an objective and/or manifest refraction where the patient’s glasses prescription is checked and changed if needed. The intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye), peripheral or side vision, movement of the eye muscles and pupils are checked. Then dilating drops are instilled and the patient is led to the waiting area while they wait for the drops to take affect before seeing the doctor.

Depending on the complaint other tests maybe added or skipped but this is solely the technician’s discretion unless requested by the doctor or patient.

The accuracy of the exam depends on the patient. It’s very frustrating as an ophthalmic technician to take back a patient who is unprepared for their exam. Keep in mind, the technician can only do their job if you are completely honest with them and have all the information they need available.

Don’t be embarrassed to tell your technician exactly what the problem is, including any medications you are on, like Viagra. All systemic medications have side effects and many of them affect the eyes like plaquenil. Bring all your medications with you, or carry a list with dosages on it in your wallet at all times. This way, you will always have it in case of an emergency room trip or eye exam appointment.

Most of the time if you’re seeing an ophthalmologist you must have a medical complaint in order for your insurance carrier to pay for the exam. This means the typical complaint “My glasses need changed” is going to give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim. Medical complaints have nothing to do with the glasses. Problems reading fine print, problems seeing at night while driving, problems

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