2020 Huntington Dr, San Marino, CA 91108

Patient Guide

Your First Ophthalmologist Visit

What to Expect on Your First Ophthalmologist Visit

We are committed to making your visit with us a pleasant if not a delightful experience! 

What To Bring With You
  • a valid photo ID;
  • glasses or contact lenses if you wear them;
  • eyedrops if you use them;
  • a list of your prescription medications;
  • a list of any health conditions or allergies;
  • your insurance card. Please note that Dr. Richardson is not “in network” for any insurance. What this means is that we do collect Dr. Richrdson’s fees at the end of your visit with him. Some insurances will reimburse you for “ophthalmologist fees” after they have been paid;
  • copies of most recent visual field testing (if visual field reports are not provided or if they are more than six months old, Dr Richardson will have to repeat this test at the time of the consultation);
  • for greatest benefit, patient should also bring copies of additional test reports and prior records;
  • the forms included in our welcome packet;
  • notebook or journal should you feel the need to jot down parts of your discussion with Dr. Richardson;
  • a comprehensive list of what you want to discuss with Dr. Richardson (optional).
Estimated Time of Your Visit

Depending on the amount of preliminary testing, specific to the patient’s needs, which requires review by Dr. Richardson prior to exam, the appointment could potentially take 2-3 hours. Dr. Richardson takes pride in the thoroughness of his exams and will take the time to answer your questions.

If you have another commitment scheduled on the same day as your visit with Dr. Richardson, please leave sufficient time to safely get to your next scheduled activity. Also consider that dilation (which can last up to six hours) can impair your driving ability. Bringing a driving companion is advisable.

Meanwhile, we have the following available to you and your companion to aid in your comfort:

  • free WiFi
  • wide selection of magazine publications for your reading enjoyment
  • refreshing bottle of cold water
  • warm espresso

What Will Happen During an Eye Appointment

You will be warmly greeted by one of our skilled technicians who will assist you with some limited paperwork prior to guiding you into the exam room to meet Dr. Richardson.  The exact type of exam will vary depending on your eye condition. But here are a few things to expect.

  • Exam – eye health condition, health history, discuss with Dr. Richardson any pain or discomforts in your eye, etc.
  • Visual Fields Test – an exam to  identify and delineate central and peripheral visual defects.
  • Optic Nerve Scan
  • Retinal Scan

Don't Know What to Ask?

Ask questions, questions, and more questions. There’s no question too big or too small. In fact, we encourage our patients to be proactive. We believe that the more you understand your condition and the more information you have about suggested treatments the better will be the treatment outcome.  An Informed Patient is a Happy Patient.

We want you to feel comfortable with Dr. David Richardson’s explanations. If some part of the process is confusing to you, feel free to ask for an explanation that you will fully understand.  Dr. Richardson takes pride in thoroughly explaining conditions and test results in words that his patients can understand.

Should more questions pop up after your visit, don’t hesitate to call or visit us once again. We also have pamphlets and printed materials about your condition that you can take home too.

If you are considering cataract surgery, this is an exciting time. Many patients undergoing cataract surgery are eligible to upgrade to advanced technology lens implants that focus their eyes for both far and near vision, allowing them to be glasses-free for most of their daily activities. Ask us about these exciting lens options.

We look forward to seeing you, and hopefully helping you to see well!

What To Ask About The Treatment
  • What is Dr. Richardson’s diagnosis?
  • What is the success rate of the recommended treatment?
  • How safe is the treatment?
  • What are the risks and benefits of the recommended treatment?
  • What are the treatment options and alternatives?
  • How often does Dr. Richardson perform the treatment he recommends?
  • How many cases had Dr. Richardson already handled for this specific surgery?
  • Will my insurance cover the recommended surgery or therapy?
  • How much is the overall cost of the treatment? Costs of the medicines?
  • How long will the surgery/treatment take?
  • Will I be bedridden and assistant-dependent after surgery?
  • Will there be a follow up surgery?
  • What are the chances that the eye disease re-occur after surgery?
  • Will I regain 100% of my vision after treatment?
  • What is the estimated length of recovery from this?
  • When can I go back to my usual routines?
  • If I want a second opinion, who can he recommend?
  • How can I reach Dr. Richardson during emergency or after office hours?

What To Ask About Prescribed Medicine
  • What is the name of this medicine?
  • Is there a generic alternative?
  • What is the dosage and schedule for taking the medicine?
  • How does this medicine work?
  • How long should I take this medicine?
  • Are there any contraindications?
  • What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
  • How will this limit my activities — driving, etc.?
  • Are there possible interactions with other prescription or non-prescription?

If you are traveling from another town or  from another country, please take the time to read our travel patient guide. It will give you some pointers on visa requirements, expected duration of stay, flights, accommodation, etc.

If you live nearby, you may opt to skip the travel patient guide and continue reading services instead.

Memberships and Affiliations