Helpful TIPS for Medical Appointments: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss

Mary Beth Caruso, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
April 1, 2010

We all know how medical appointment time is tight- often limited to 15 minutes - and that our minds can go blank after waiting on the exam table for the doctor to actually come in the room. So we waste time and leave appointments feeling our questions have not been answered. 

Following please find TIPS: Ten Inquiries for Problem Solving, a guide for getting the most out of medical appointments. Although TIPS has been written specifically for a visit to the eye doctor, these questions can be modified for each medical appointment. Any physical concern (i.e. range of motion of arms) can be substituted for the word vision.

Send TIPS, or another format of concerns and questions, to the doctor in advance and let the office know time will be needed to address the questions during the appointment. Sometimes the doctor, physician’s assistant or nurse may write answers on the page or share a report but it is important to discuss to be sure all issues are addressed. Bring a copy of TIPS to the appointment. It may be helpful to have someone be present at the appointment to hear what the doctor says, take notes and check that all questions are answered. 

TIPS: Ten Inquiries for Problem Solving

1. What is the name of my vision condition and how much vision have I lost (i.e. field &/or acuity)? 

2. Please explain the tests done already. 

3. What further tests could give us more useful information?

4. What vision am I likely to lose in the future and over what time frame?

5. How can I alter my daily life (i.e. eating habits, exercise, etc) to save my vision?

6. What are the pros and cons of any treatment options (surgical and noninvasive)?

7. What medications or vitamins might help my condition and do they have any side effects? Would these interact with what I already take? (Attach list).

8. These are the areas where I feel I am having more difficulty because of my vision (describe how):

____ reading
____ writing (lists, letter & checks)
____ eating in public
____ preparing meals
____ handling money
____ telling time
____ managing medications
____ walking safely indoors and outdoors
____ handling personal care
____ matching and caring for clothing
____ cleaning
____ doing my hobbies
____ participating in social and recreational activities

9. Are there any aids or techniques (i.e. glasses, magnifiers, large print computer displays, writing guides, labels on kitchen equipment, lights, colors or contrast) that can help me to use my vision better?

10. Could you refer me for other consultation to make my daily life easier (i.e. Low Vision Clinic Evaluation, support group, technology assessment, or training from a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist)?

It is helpful and reassuring to have a good rapport with the doctor and their staff. It is an option (but sometimes a difficult one to make happen) to have a second opinion or to transfer to a doctor who will provide physical care as well as educational and emotional support. If unhappy with care, ask family and friends for recommendations about their doctors.  However, do not avoid having vision eye care during the time it takes to get a new doctor.  Utilizing TIPS can increase knowledge as well as confidence at any and all medical visits.

Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643.

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