What to Expect: Retinal Disease Appointment

Thank you for choosing the Robert Cizik Eye Clinic at UTHealth for your eye care. Our mission is to improve the lives of our patients through the delivery of exceptional, personalized, and compassionate patient service.

We would like to provide you with some information about your appointment so that you know what to expect when visiting with our retinal specialists. Your time with us may be different from your experiences at other clinical offices.

Our Clinic Experience

A complete ophthalmic evaluation often requires a thorough review of medical records, a patient interview, a comprehensive eye examination, and in-clinic testing which can be time-consuming. We ask for your patience.

Depending on your physician and appointment type, please allow 2 to 3 hours for your visit.

  • Common tests performed during a retina exam include:
    • Fundus photography (a photograph of your retina)
    • OCT or Optical Coherence Topography (a scan of the center part of your retina)
    • Fluorescein angiogram (plant-based dye is placed in your veins to allow imaging of your retinal blood vessels)
    • Visual Field Testing (flashes of light are shown to determine your range of vision)
  • We will also dilate your eyes as a part of your visit. Dilation lasts 4 to 6 hours. Patients are often light sensitive and have blurred near vision until the dilation wears off. We will give you plastic shades at the end of your visit but you may want to bring sunglasses and arrange for transportation home.

What to Bring

In order for your appointment to be as efficient and productive as possible, please note the following:

  • Please take advantage of online forms that can be filled out through your MyChart patient portal. Having these prepared beforehand can help expedite your visit.
  • Bring a list of medications you are taking.
  • Bring your insurance card and photo ID.
  • Please have all of your records sent to our office prior to your appointment if possible, or bring them with you.
  • If you would like, bring a list of questions for the ophthalmologist.

Our Team

We have a team of highly specialized physicians who provide treatment for both routine and complex diseases of the eye. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians and other providers will leverage our strengths to provide you quality comprehensive eye care, customized to your specific needs.

Our Academic Leadership

Our clinic is part of an academic medical center and teaching hospital, which makes it a unique asset to the community. Our physicians are leaders in our community, at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, and nationally. In addition to providing exceptional medical and surgical care, part of their mission is to train the future generation of physicians. We have medical students, residents, and fellows in the clinic learning the art and science of patient care.  While you may see these trainees during your appointment, your physician will be involved in and direct all aspects of your care.

It is our goal to make your visit as pleasant as possible. If you have a specific question about your visit, or if there is anything we can do for you, feel free to contact our clinic staff.

Sincerely,

The Physicians and Staff of the Robert Cizik Eye Clinic
Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth

6400 Fannin, 18th Floor
Houston, Texas 77030

P: (713) 486-9400

F: (713) 486-9592