Preparing for Your BARA Office Visit
Our practice is a specialty eye practice limited to the treatment of diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. Patients that are new to our practice will have a comprehensive consultation as well as possible additional testing ordered by the doctor.
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The length of your appointment can vary based on the severity and complexity of your eye condition. As we are a referral practice, with frequent and unpredictable emergencies sent to us for our immediate attention, our appointment schedule at times may be delayed. The average appointment length is about two hours.
Both of your eyes will be dilated and can affect your ability to drive. It is recommended that you arrange for transportation to and from our office.
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Please bring to our office:
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Your medical insurance cards.
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Authorization from your primary care doctor or health insurance plan.
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Your medications or a list of medications with dosages. Be sure to include any and all eye drops as well as non-prescription (over the counter) medications.
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Your Registration form and Patient history form.
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A translator if English is not your primary language.
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Diabetic patients should consider bringing a meal or light snack if their appointment is in conflict with a regularly scheduled meal.
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Eyeglasses for distance and near vision.
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Patient Code of Conduct
This policy applies to patients, staff, leadership (all levels), physicians, and any representation of Bay Area Retina Associates (includes all persons) while they are physically present at a BARA location(s). It is intended to be comprehensive and easily understood.
Bay Area Retina Associates is committed to providing high-quality healthcare. We are committed to creating a safe, caring, and inclusive environment for everyone — our patients, visitors, physicians, and staff in all our spaces.
BARA’s Patient Code of Conduct will help us to achieve this goal. All persons (including staff, patients, and guests) are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner. Disruptive behavior is prohibited and will be addressed in a manner that protects the safety and dignity of all involved. Words or actions that are disrespectful, discriminatory, hostile, or harassing are not welcome.
Examples:
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Offensive comments about others (including personal traits)
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Refusal to see a physician or staff based on any of these personal traits
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Physical or verbal threats and/or assaults
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Vulgar or unwanted advances (words or actions)
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Being disruptive of other patients’ care
If we believe you have violated this Code of Conduct, we reserve the right to take additional action to review the violation/offense internally and without warning. We will carefully consider the nature and sensitivity of the issue (s) before making any decisions. Decisions may lead to patient discharge.
Upon discharge:
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Patient will receive a written notice of discharge
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Patient medical records may be faxed to another physician (free of charge)
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All outstanding patient unpaid balances will be owed
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Patient may continue to receive statements if the balance remains unresolved
About Your Retinal Surgery
Bay Area Retina Associates is a group of dedicated retinal surgeons with expertise spanning the full range of retinal surgical procedures. We operate in multiple facilities around the East Bay, all with the latest equipment and experienced staff assisting our surgeons. The vast majority of our surgeries are outpatient procedures under sedation with local anesthesia or in some cases general anesthesia. Our surgery coordinator and the rest of our team stand ready to assist you and answer any questions you may have before and after your surgery.
Pre-Surgery
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Medical Clearance: Unless your surgery is a same-day emergency, we will need clearance from your Primary Care Provider (PCP) for anesthesia; in some cases, specialists (a cardiologist, for example) may be consulted for clearance
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Remaining NPO (Nothing by Mouth): Avoid eating/drinking on the day of surgery (small sip of water with medications allowed); if you eat or drink within 8 hours of surgery, the anesthesiologist may cancel or delay your surgery
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Medications: Generally, you should take your usual medications the morning before your surgery, with some exceptions; if you are diabetic, please consult with your PCP or endocrinologist; if you take aspirin or blood thinners (Plavix, Eliquis, etc) please talk with your BARA retinal surgeon about whether stopping these medications would be beneficial, and please talk with your PCP about whether you can safely stop these medications prior to surgery
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Other Preparations: Face-down positioning equipment is recommended post-surgery; it is also available to rent and our surgery coordinator can provide you with more information.
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The day of surgery
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No self-driving post-surgery
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Arrive as scheduled by the surgery coordinator, usually at least one and a half hours prior to surgery time
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Post-Surgery Care
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Eye patch and shield after surgery
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No eye drops until the day 1 post-operative visit
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Arrange transportation for the day 1 visit
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Please remember to bring eye drops for day 1 visit
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Pain management primarily through extra strength Tylenol
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Notify your BARA surgeon of any pain control issues.
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Positioning
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Our BARA surgeon will provide specific instructions on positioning the head or eyes post-surgery, if necessary
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Generally, avoid lying flat on your back if you have a gas or oil bubble in your eye
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Caring for the eye
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Avoid exposing the surgical eye to water from sinks or showers for 7 days post-surgery to prevent infection
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Protect the eye physically for 7 days post-surgery, including taping a hard shield over it at night
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During the day, either tape the hard shield over the eye or wear sunglasses or other glasses for protection
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Eye drops
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Bring your eye drops to all post-operative appointments for clear instructions from your BARA doctor
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Inform your doctor if you run out of any postoperative drops, as some cannot be stopped suddenly, and refills can be provided by the office
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Surgery centers
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Click on your surgery location below for a printable handout with the address and map