Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a retina specialist?

A retina specialist is a medical doctor trained as an ophthalmologist, who has received additional fellowship training in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. Retina Vitreous Associates’ specialists evaluate and treat diseases and injuries of the retina and vitreous. Conditions commonly evaluated and treated by our physicians include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, wet and dry macular degeneration, retinal tears, detached retina, ocular trauma, ocular tumors, inflammatory ocular conditions and other highly complex disorders.

Can I receive a new glasses prescription from your office?

Our physicians are retina specialists and do not prescribe eyeglasses.

How do I make an appointment?

Please call Retina Vitreous Associates between 7:00am to 8:00pm Monday - Friday and 8:30am to 3:00pm Saturday to make your appointment. If you are being referred to RVA from your doctor please bring your referral at the time of your appointment.

What to do in an emergency?

In case of a medical emergency please call 911. In case of an eye emergency, please contact Retina Vitreous Associates. If the office is closed, our answering service will help to page the RVA on-call team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How long is a new patient visit?

Your first visit to our office will take approximately 2-4 hours.

What do I need to bring with me for my appointment?

Please bring a list of all medications/eye drops you are currently taking, including dosages; all relevant medical history and laboratory tests; your current medical insurance information including allergies, necessary referrals and appropriate billing information; the glasses or contact lenses you use for distance vision; a pair of sunglasses due to light sensitivity following dilation; and someone to drive you home from your appointment. Our "don't forget" list.

Will my eyes be dilated?

Yes, one or both eyes will likely be dilated at each visit.

Do I need a driver for each appointment?

Since your eyes will most likely be dilated at each appointment, we recommend that you arrange for someone to drive you if possible.

Should I take my usual medication the day of my appointment?
Should I bring medications I need to take the day of my appointment with me?

Yes, take all your usual and necessary medications the day of your appointment. If you are having surgery the day of your visit, you will have received pre-operative instructions telling you whether you can take your medication or not.

Can I eat before I come for my appointment?

Yes, unless you are planning to have surgery the day of your visit. If you are having surgery the day of your visit, you will have received pre-operative instructions telling you whether you can eat or not. If you are expecting to have laser treatment, you may still eat.

Where do the doctors perform surgery?

Many procedures are performed in the office. For more complex procedures, our doctors have privileges at:

Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois;
Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois;
Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois;
St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center in Hammond, Indiana
Methodist Hospital in Merrillville, Indiana;
St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, Indiana;
Porter Memorial Hospital in Valparaiso, Indiana;
Illiana Surgery Center in Munster, Indiana;
St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana;

What type of medical insurance do you accept?

Retina Vitreous Associates are providers for numerous insurance plans and participates with Medicare. Please contact our office to confirm our participation with your medical plan. Please be aware that if you are covered by a managed care policy (HMO, PPO or POS), you may need to obtain authorization and/or a referral for each visit.

How will I be billed?

We will bill your insurance company, however, deductibles and co-payments are due at the time of service. If you do not have insurance or anticipate a problem paying for services, our staff will provide financial counseling and will answer any questions you may have.

How Do I Get My Test Results?

We know that you may be anxious to learn your test results as soon as possible. Please understand that some tests take longer than others for the results to be interpreted and sent to our office. You may call during regular office hours 72 hours after your tests have been completed and a Retina Vitreous Associates ophthalmic technician will review your tests with you.

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