My questions...? Well maybe I could try again next year?
I am not sure if this place has real *DOCTORS*. Read on…
While getting a routine update on eyeglass prescription, I had few small concerns. I wear eyeglasses ( - 2.25 ) forever, I am now 40. The optometrist referred me here as I wanted to ensure that everything is normal with my eyes. Enter Retina Associates.
The nurse gave me some eye numbing drop. Took eye pressure. I was then given 2 or 3 different types of eye drops to dilate my eyes. After a few minutes in the lobby, my pupils were wide open. I was then taken to the "lab-room" where some more eye testing was done. I had to look at some fancy gadgets and stare at a cross inside fancy equipment. Some eye pictures were taken. Then my eyes were photographed and *omfg* did those lights hurt with the dilated eyes. Some dye was then injected in my blood via an iv on my right arm. More photographs! After 25 odd BRIGHT flashes, all I could see was ... well … all went dark for a few minutes.
Will I see the doctor now? Who is my doctor? The fancy brochure had so many names and resumes.
Overall the experience was that of being processed over a conveyor belt. A fancy and modern looking conveyor belt, but a conveyor belt nonetheless. The only reason I am generously giving a 2-star rating is because the staff was so good. The so called “eye *DOCTOR*” interaction ... well not so good.
I was taken to another room. Waited for another 5 minutes. Enter Dr. Coung D. Vu. He immediately went onto shining a few more bright lights into my eyes. Finally, the DOCTOR was here, YAY! Someone who could tell me why (1) Right eye waters more; (2) Is laser for me; and (3) Overall healthy eyes? Dr. Vu told me that there is some buildup under my cornea, but it’s normal for Asian people and nothing to worry about. I was told that this sort of exam is very helpful in keeping track of progress of my eyes and that he recommends that I do this exam every year to make sure my eyes remain healthy and any problems could be detected early on.
Immediately after the reading exam, I was told that the doctor had decided to "inject dye in my bloodstream" as this will take better pictures. It seemed to me that this was an elevated/enhanced level of testing based on my condition. I was told that using the dye was the Doctor’s opinion. Odd again. What was the basis for this opinion? I had yet to see any doctor. Nobody had even asked for any symptoms yet. As I am not a doctor, I did not know whether this dye-test was a routine for every patient or not; but I definitely got the feeling that injecting the dye was an "optional" and/or "enhanced" test; and based on my *condition*, it was the doctor’s recommendation that we do this.
After filling a few forms, I was tended to by an elderly nurse. The nurse proceeded to document my medical history. I am NOT on any medication, but the nurse did insist (see below) and documented that I am on 325 mg Tylenol prescription. She said that "they" will like this because documenting prescription keeps the computers happy. Odd. I did not understand this logic.
When will I see the doctor?
And as for doing this annually? Maybe, you guys will have to address my concerns or at least pretend to give a crap. If you are just going to torture my eyes to bill my insurance, I dunno.
Next time, I am definitely going to ask around to see if there is an eye doctor who will see and talk to me BEFORE ordering to inject dye in my bloodstream. Will the doctor take the time to give me good answers my QUESTIONS.
As for my questions? Well, Dr. Vu either did not understand my questions, or he did not know the answers; or simply could not care less on why I was really there. I mean, the enhanced dye exam was already done and he had already looked over at the report. I was re-told about the importance and the benefits of this annual eye exam. As far as he was concerned, my appointment was over. It took him less than 3 minutes of actual patient time to address me as a patient.
The best medical experience ever, the staff is very friendly and considerate. Dr. Barone was very professional and provided detailed information about the procedure in advance to let me make the decisions.
Retina Associates is a US Doctor based in Silver Spring, District Of Columbia. Retina Associates is located at 8630 Fenton St #410, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
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