The total time spent at an eye doctor appointment depends on the reason for the visit and your personal health history. While a standard visit is often completed in under an hour, the duration can extend considerably due to necessary diagnostic procedures. A routine eye health examination for an established patient will be faster than a comprehensive assessment for someone new to the practice.
Typical Duration Based on Appointment Type
A comprehensive eye exam for an established patient typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes from check-in to checkout. New patients should plan for a longer visit, usually lasting 60 to 90 minutes. This extended period accounts for the initial administrative intake, including detailed paperwork and a thorough review of your medical and family history.
A contact lens examination adds complexity and time beyond the standard refraction test. A fitting or annual evaluation can add 15 to 30 minutes, as it requires specialized measurements of the corneal curvature and an assessment of the tear film to ensure a proper lens fit. For acute eye problems, such as infection or sudden flashes, an urgent care or problem-focused visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. These visits focus on diagnosing and treating the specific complaint.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of a Routine Eye Exam
The initial phase involves check-in and preliminary testing, often performed by a technician before the doctor sees you. This process generally takes 10 to 15 minutes. It includes tests like automated visual field screening (assessing peripheral vision) and tonometry (measuring eye pressure to screen for glaucoma). The technician also performs an automated refraction to provide a starting point for your lens prescription.
The main examination with the optometrist or ophthalmologist usually lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. This portion includes the subjective refraction, where the doctor manually refines the prescription by asking which lens is clearer. The doctor also performs a slit lamp examination, using a specialized microscope to inspect the anterior structures of the eye, such as the cornea, iris, and lens. These steps conclude with a final discussion of the findings, treatment recommendations, and prescription writing.
Factors That Will Increase Your Appointment Length
The most common factor that extends your stay is the need for pupil dilation. Dilation is performed to allow a clearer view of the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye. The process requires administering topical eye drops, which take between 15 and 30 minutes to fully take effect before the doctor can proceed with the internal eye health check. This waiting period significantly extends the overall appointment duration.
If the doctor detects signs of an underlying medical condition (such as diabetes or glaucoma) or if your medical history suggests a high risk, specialized diagnostic testing will be needed. These procedures add time to the visit. For example, an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan or a detailed visual field test (mapping out blind spots) can add 5 to 10 minutes per eye. Additionally, time spent selecting new eyeglass frames or discussing lens options after the clinical examination is complete is a patient-driven factor that increases the total time spent in the office.