Ophthalmologist - fundus examination visit

A visit to an ophthalmologist may require a fundus examination. The test is safe, but some individuals may experience slight discomfort. It provides crucial information about the condition of the visual system and is used to assess the retina, macula, optic nerve, and blood vessels. Ophthalmologists most commonly refer patients for a fundus examination, but it is also ordered by diabetologists, cardiologists, and internists.

A fundus examination helps diagnose many conditions, not only those directly related to vision loss or other visual impairments. Early detection of changes in the fundus image allows for the prevention of complications such as diabetes or hypertension.

Fundus Examination – When Should It Be Performed?

For systemic diseases, the primary indications for a fundus examination include all vascular conditions. The most common among them are hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. The examination is also recommended for individuals experiencing specific neurological symptoms, those who have suffered a stroke, are undergoing neurological disease diagnostics, or have sustained head injuries. For eye-related conditions, indications for the examination include the following symptoms reported by patients:

• problems with color vision or changes in color perception,
• spots in the visual field or peripheral vision disturbances,
• sudden deterioration of visual acuity.

Additionally, any perception of unusual or alarming visual phenomena, such as seeing distorted straight lines, perceiving objects of different sizes with each eye, experiencing partial vision loss on one side, seeing flashes of light, or noticing dark spots and floaters, warrants an ophthalmology visit with a fundus examination.

The offer does not include the selection of progressive lenses (fluid focal length correction) or the fitting of contact lenses.

For professional prescription glasses and contact lens fitting, we invite you to visit an optometrist. Check here.

If you wish to book an ophthalmology consultation without a fundus examination, click HERE.

If you need a specialist who speaks a foreign language, we recommend checking the doctor's profile. Simply click on the specialist’s name in the schedule list above to access a detailed description, which includes language proficiency. If no additional languages are listed, the doctor speaks only Polish.

During the consultation, the doctor:

• conducts a thorough interview, including past and current illnesses, long-term medications, and an ophthalmological examination,
• performs a fundus examination if deemed necessary,
• makes a diagnosis,
• provides medical recommendations,
• issues prescriptions,
• orders laboratory and imaging tests,
• issues a medical leave certificate.

Please arrive at the reception of the Center 15 minutes before your medical appointment with a valid ID.

The service can only be provided at the medical facility specified at the time of purchase.

Proper preparation is required for an eye fundus examination. Remember to:

How to schedule an appointment with a fundus examination?

For the comfort of our patients, ophthalmology appointments with a fundus examination are scheduled by phone. This ensures that the appointment time is arranged in the most convenient way for the patient.

• Reserve enough time. The appointment lasts about 30 minutes, but sometimes a longer wait is needed for the medication administered during the visit to take effect before the examination can be performed. The fundus examination is usually conducted after eye drops containing atropine or tropicamide are applied to dilate the pupil. These drops may cause a temporary burning sensation and a taste of the medication in the mouth as they drain through the tear duct.
• When planning your visit, also consider the time spent at the reception of the Center.
• The ophthalmologist performs the examination using an ophthalmoscope or a slit lamp, shining a beam of light through the pupil to visualize the eye fundus. The strong light may cause temporary discomfort, known as glare, which subsides after a few minutes.
• If possible, arrange for someone to accompany you. After the fundus examination, vision may remain impaired for several hours. You may experience discomfort such as headaches and light sensitivity (so bringing sunglasses is recommended). To avoid issues on your way home, plan for someone to assist you.
• Driving is not permitted after the fundus examination until the pupil returns to its normal size. Plan your travel to and from the Center with a driver or use alternative transportation. Operating machinery is also prohibited.
• For some time after the examination, working on a computer, reading, and writing may not be possible. Vision typically improves 4–6 hours after the eye drops are applied.
• If you would like to schedule a visit without a fundus examination, click here!