What to Bring to Your Eye Exam
Eyewear and Prescriptions
Bring every pair of glasses you wear, including reading glasses, computer glasses, and distance glasses. Your eye doctor uses a lensometer to measure the prescription in your current lenses and compare it to your new measurements. This comparison shows whether your prescription has changed and helps your doctor fine-tune your correction.
If you wear soft contacts, bring an unopened blister pack so your doctor can verify the brand, power, and base curve. If you wear rigid gas-permeable lenses, bring them in their case. Your doctor evaluates how your current lenses fit, checks your corneal health under the lenses, and determines whether your prescription or lens type needs updating.
If you are visiting a new eye doctor, bring a copy of your most recent glasses or contact lens prescription. Your previous doctor's office can fax or email these records. Having a baseline prescription lets your new doctor compare measurements and identify changes more accurately from the start.
Insurance Cards and Identification
Bring your vision insurance card even if you provided the information when scheduling. The front desk verifies your coverage, copay, and any frame or lens allowances before your exam begins. Knowing your benefits upfront helps you make decisions about glasses or contacts during the visit.
If your eye doctor finds a health condition during the exam (diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, or signs of high blood pressure), the visit may be billed to your medical insurance instead of vision insurance. Bring both cards to every appointment so the office can bill the correct plan.
Most offices require a photo ID at your first visit for identity verification and medical record accuracy. Bring a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Having your ID ready speeds up the check-in process.
Medical Information
Bring a complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements with their dosages. Many medications affect your eyes. Beta-blockers can lower eye pressure, antihistamines reduce tear production, and antidepressants can dilate your pupils. Your eye doctor needs this information to interpret exam findings accurately.
According to the AAO, family history is a primary risk factor for most major eye diseases. Know whether your parents, siblings, or grandparents have had glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, retinal detachment, or other eye conditions. Also note family history of diabetes and high blood pressure, which affect eye health. Your doctor uses this information to determine which screening tests to prioritize.
Note any chronic conditions you manage: diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, or thyroid disease. Bring a list of past eye surgeries, injuries, or treatments. If you have had LASIK, cataract surgery, or any other eye procedure, bring the records or the name of the surgeon so your doctor can review your history.
Symptoms and Questions
Write down any vision changes you have noticed: blurry near or distance vision, floaters, flashes of light, double vision, or eye pain. Note when each symptom started and whether it comes and goes or stays constant. Bringing a written list ensures you do not forget anything during the appointment.
Prepare two to three questions you want answered. Common questions include whether your prescription has changed, whether you are a candidate for contacts or LASIK, and whether your eyes show signs of disease. Writing questions in advance saves time and keeps the conversation focused.
Think about how you use your eyes during the day. Tell your doctor about your screen time, reading habits, hobbies, sports, and work environment. If you drive long distances, work outdoors, or spend hours on a computer, this information helps your doctor recommend the best type of correction for your daily demands.
Practical Items
Bring sunglasses for post-dilation light sensitivity. Routine comprehensive exams for adults typically include dilation, which leaves your eyes sensitive to light for several hours. According to the AAO, polarized or wraparound sunglasses provide the best comfort after dilation. Bring them even if you plan to have someone else drive you home.
If you expect dilation, arrange for someone to drive you home or plan to use a ride service. Your near vision and light sensitivity will be impaired for two to four hours. Having a ride planned lets you relax during the exam without worrying about getting home safely.
Dilation drops take 15 to 30 minutes to take full effect. Bring a podcast, audiobook, or music for the waiting period. Reading on your phone will be difficult once the drops take effect. Earbuds keep you comfortable in a busy waiting room.
Special Situations
Parents should bring any school vision screening results, teacher notes about vision concerns, and a list of the child's medications. If your child has trouble in school, bring a recent report card so your doctor can correlate vision issues with academic performance. A comfort item (toy or tablet) can help younger children stay calm during the exam.
New patients should bring records from their previous eye doctor, including the most recent prescription, any imaging or test results, and a summary of past eye conditions or surgeries. Many offices send intake paperwork electronically before the visit. Completing it at home saves 10 to 15 minutes at the office.
If you are being fitted for contacts for the first time, wear your current glasses to the appointment (do not wear contacts). If you are returning for a contact lens check, wear your contacts for at least two hours before the appointment so your doctor can evaluate their fit and comfort on your eyes.
Eye Exam Preparation Questions
No. There is no need to fast before a routine eye exam. Eat and drink as you normally would. If you have diabetes, maintaining your normal eating schedule helps keep your blood sugar stable, which can affect your exam results.
It depends on the type of appointment. For a comprehensive exam with refraction, some doctors ask you to remove soft contacts at least two hours before arrival because contacts temporarily change corneal shape. For a contact lens evaluation, wear your contacts so your doctor can assess the fit. Ask when you schedule the appointment.
Call your insurance company for your member ID and group number, which the office can use to verify your benefits. You can also log into your insurance provider's app or website for a digital copy of your card. Most offices will still see you and bill your insurance once they verify the information.
Yes. A family member or friend can join you in the exam room. They can help you remember the doctor's recommendations, take notes, and ask questions. For children's exams, a parent should be present to provide health history and discuss findings with the doctor.
Yes. Bring all glasses you use, even if you only wear them for specific tasks. Your doctor measures each pair to compare them to your current exam results. This gives a complete picture of your visual correction needs across all distances and activities.
Wear comfortable clothing. If you use eye makeup, consider going without it on exam day, especially if you have sensitive eyes or your doctor plans to examine your eyelids closely. Remove contact lenses before applying or removing makeup to protect both your lenses and your eyes.
Be Ready for Your Eye Exam
Bring your glasses, insurance cards, medication list, family eye history, and sunglasses. Arriving prepared lets your eye doctor focus on your eyes rather than gathering information you could have brought with you.