It is natural for people with a recently diagnosed vision impairment to fear losing all of their vision. Some concerns may be justified depending on the nature and progression of an eye disease, but others may not.

Many doctors are busy, but every patient has a right to have their questions answered by their medical providers. Patients sometimes get nervous when they are being examined and forget or avoid the questions they want answered so before you visit your ophthalmologist, prepare a list of questions and concerns you have about your vision (also see?How Often Should I Have an Eye Examination? What questions should I ask??and What is a Low Vision Examination?).

When you meet the doctor, inform him/her that you need to discuss some concerns with them before you leave. If time is an issue for them, request a specific telephone appointment. Don't take no for an answer! ?If your doctor continues to be unresponsive or vague, seek another doctor — you deserve the best!

See How to Find a Doctor in Your Area.