How long does an ophthalmology appointment take? Your guide to timing and preparation

September 22, 2025 •

2 min read

According to a study analyzing millions of office visits, the average ophthalmology appointment can last over 20 minutes, with factors like being a new patient extending the time. Understanding how long an ophthalmology appointment takes helps you manage expectations and plan your day effectively.

Quick Summary

A standard eye exam can range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the timeline greatly influenced by whether your pupils need to be dilated, if specialized tests are required, or if it is your first visit. Patients should always plan for extra time, especially for a comprehensive exam.

Key Points

Duration Varies Greatly: A routine check-up might be 30 minutes, but a comprehensive, dilated exam typically takes 90 minutes or more, with complex cases requiring even longer.
Dilation Adds Significant Time: The wait for pupils to dilate is often 20–30 minutes and is a major component of the total appointment length.
Prepare for Blurred Vision and Light Sensitivity: Dilation causes these side effects for several hours, making it unsafe to drive. Plan for a ride home and bring sunglasses.
Expect Technician Testing First: Your time with the ophthalmologist is preceded by a thorough pre-exam workup conducted by a technician, which includes visual acuity, refraction, and pressure tests.
Factors Like New Patient Status and Complexity Matter: First-time visits, chronic conditions, and additional specialized tests will increase the overall duration of your appointment.
Pre-Visit Preparation Helps: Having your forms, insurance, and medication list ready can help streamline your visit and reduce waiting time.

What to expect from a comprehensive eye exam

A comprehensive ophthalmology appointment is a thorough medical evaluation of your entire visual system. The total duration of your visit is comprised of several distinct stages.

The pre-exam and technician workup

Initial steps are often handled by an ophthalmic technician and can take 20 to 45 minutes. This includes gathering medical history, testing visual acuity, performing preliminary refraction, checking eye pressure, assessing eye muscle movement, and potentially baseline imaging.

The dilation process

Pupil dilation significantly impacts appointment length. After administering eye drops, it typically takes 20 to 30 minutes for them to work, though it can vary. Dilation causes temporary light sensitivity and blurred near vision, requiring sunglasses and potentially a driver. The effects can last for several hours.

The doctor's examination

The ophthalmologist's examination typically takes 15 to 30 minutes with dilated pupils. Using a slit-lamp microscope, the doctor examines the front and back of your eye for signs of diseases like glaucoma and cataracts.

Consultation and wrap-up

Finally, the doctor discusses findings and next steps. You'll have a chance to ask questions and schedule follow-ups.

Factors that influence appointment length

Several factors can alter your visit's length:

New vs. established patient: First-time visits take longer for a complete history and baseline exam.
Specialized testing: Conditions needing tests like visual field testing add time.
Complexity of condition: More complex conditions require more in-depth evaluation.
Surgical consultations: These may include additional pre-operative measurements.

Comparison table: Routine vs. comprehensive exam


Aspect	Routine Vision Exam	Comprehensive Ophthalmology Exam
Purpose	Check vision, update prescription	Full medical evaluation of eye health
Average Duration	30–60 minutes	90–120+ minutes
Pupil Dilation	Uncommon	Standard
Technician Time	Shorter	Longer
Doctor Focus	Prescribing glasses/contacts	Assessing for disease
Typical Wait	Less variable	Can have significant waiting due to dilation
Driving After	Usually fine	Advisable to have a driver due to blurred vision

How to prepare for a smooth appointment

Prepare for your visit by bringing necessary documents and information, arranging transportation if dilation is expected, and bringing items like sunglasses or headphones for waiting periods. Knowing what to expect helps make the most of your appointment. For more detailed information on eye health, consider visiting the American Academy of Ophthalmology's website.

Conclusion

A comprehensive ophthalmology appointment's length varies, but preparing for the different stages, including technician workup and dilation, is key. Understanding the process ensures a thorough evaluation of your eye health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A routine eye exam that does not include pupil dilation can typically be completed in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the clinic's workflow and any specific issues being addressed.

A comprehensive appointment includes a detailed technician workup, a waiting period for pupil dilation (often 20-30 minutes), and a thorough exam by the ophthalmologist, all of which add up to a longer overall visit time.

The effects of eye dilation, such as light sensitivity and blurred near vision, usually last between 4 and 6 hours, though this can vary based on the type of drops used and your eye color.

It is generally not recommended to drive immediately after your eyes have been dilated. The resulting blurred vision and light sensitivity can impair your ability to drive safely. It's best to arrange for a ride.

To help your appointment run smoothly, bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, any previous eye records, and sunglasses for after a dilated exam.

The wait to see the doctor can vary, with factors like dilation time being a key component. The wait can be significant, especially if the clinic is busy, as ophthalmologists often see many patients in a day.

A first-time appointment often takes longer than a follow-up visit. The doctor will need to establish a complete baseline of your eye health, which can extend the overall time to over 90 minutes.