Welcome to the USF Health Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology! Thank you for choosing USF Health to assist with your healthcare needs – please know you will receive the finest care available. Please review the information provided below to help prepare for your appointment.
What to Expect
Due to the thoroughness and complexity of your eye examination at USF Health, please allow 2-4 hours for your appointment.
Emergency patients are common in our practice. As a result, you may experience some delays. We will keep you apprised of any delays, and apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
Your comprehensive visit may include an assessment by an ophthalmic technician, diagnostic imaging testing, your provider examination, and a possible course of treatment. We are committed to providing the highest standard of care, and your provider will spend as much time with you as needed.
Your
2-4 hour appointment may consist of the following steps:
• Arrival and registration (15 minutes): Complete registration process, update insurance and payment information. Expect to pay co-pay, coinsurance payments, deductibles and any outstanding balances.
• Ophthalmic Technician Initial Assessment and Dilation (60 minutes): An Ophthalmic Technician will conduct an initial assessment and dilate your eyes, as needed.
• Diagnostic Imaging Testing (60 minutes, depending on type of testing required): As ordered by your physician, testing will be completed to better understand next steps for the treatment of your eyes.
• Provider visit (15 to 60 minutes based on the complexity of your eye condition): Your physician will examine, diagnosis, and explain treatment options, set expectations, and discuss your questions and concerns.
• Treatment (30 minutes): Depending on the diagnosis and treatment options, some treatments may be conducted.
• Check-Out (15 minutes): Future appointments will be scheduled.
What to Bring
Please bring these items to your appointment:
• Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Sunglasses (for light sensitivity after your examination)
• List of all current medications
• Pertinent medical records (including MRI, CT results and scans performed recently, including the CD with images)
• Photo ID
• Names, email address, and fax numbers for non-USF Health physicians
• Proof of Insurance
• Authorization or referral forms, as required by your insurance carrier
• Questions for your provider
Your Child's Visit
In addition to the above, please bring the following:
• Bottles, baby formula, and diapers for infants
• Favorite toy or other special items needed for your child’s comfort
• Any needed legal papers, as applicable
Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, including all pre-admission and surgical procedures. In the case of a legal guardian, a medical power of attorney or court order for health services must be provided.
Payments and Insurance/Health Plan Coverage
Co-payments and deductibles are collected at the time of your appointment. We accept cash, personal check, MasterCard, Visa and American Express. If you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage, contact your insurance carrier directly. Please obtain any referrals which may be necessary to fulfill the requirements of your policy.
We charge a $40.00 fee for all refractions (prescription for glasses or contacts). This payment is expected at the time of service, and is not covered by most insurance carriers.
Cancellations
In an effort to provide the most efficient service to patients, we ask that if you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, that you contact our office, at least 24 hours in advance, at 813-974-4864 to schedule a new appointment. If you are going to be late for your appointment, please call ahead so we can provide the best advice as it relates to the current clinic schedule, as it may be best for reschedule the appointment for you.
