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Image by NORTHFOLK
Image by NORTHFOLK
Image by NORTHFOLK
Image by NORTHFOLK

Patient Resources

We know that navigating a retinal condition can feel overwhelming — and that questions don't always wait until your next appointment. This page is here to help. Whether you're preparing for your first visit, managing an ongoing treatment plan, or looking for support resources, you'll find what you need below.

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If you can't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to call our office at 847-488-1030 or send us a message through the Healow patient portal. We're always happy to help.

Patient Forms

To save time at your appointment, you're welcome to download and complete forms in advance. Please bring completed forms with you or submit them through the patient portal prior to your visit.

Financial Assistance Programs

We believe cost should never be a barrier to receiving the retina care you need. If you are uninsured, underinsured, or struggling with out-of-pocket treatment costs, the following programs may be able to help. Our team is happy to assist you in identifying what may be available to you.

Drug Co-Pay Assistance

(Commercially Insured Patients)

Independent Foundations

(Medicare / Medicare Advantage Patients)

If you have Medicare and need help with co-pays or treatment costs, the following independent foundations may be able to assist. Program availability and eligibility vary — contact each organization directly or ask our team for guidance.

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Image by Sasun Bughdaryan
Image by Sasun Bughdaryan
Image by Sasun Bughdaryan

Patient Education & Handouts

The following downloadable handouts are available to help you understand your care, manage your treatment at home, and know what to watch for. These are the same materials our clinical team reviews with you at your visits.

Eye Drop & Medication Guides

Intravitreal Injection Aftercare

Laser Treatment Information

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Surgery

Diagnostic Testing

Amsler Grid

Your provider may recommend that you monitor your central vision at home using an Amsler grid. This simple tool can help detect early changes in conditions like macular degeneration.

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Trusted External Resources

General Eye Health Education

American Academy of Ophthalmology — EyeSmart: www.aao.org/eye-health

Comprehensive, physician-reviewed information on retinal conditions, treatments, and eye health topics.

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Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration Association: macularhope.org

Free educational programs, support resources, and the latest treatment news for patients living with AMD.

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Vision Health & Blindness Prevention

Prevent Blindness: preventblindness.org

A national nonprofit dedicated to eye health education, vision screening, and preservation of sight.

Low Vision Resources

As retina specialists, our focus is on the medical and surgical management of retinal disease. We do not prescribe glasses or provide low vision rehabilitation services directly — but we can refer you to a specialist who can.

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If you are experiencing significant vision loss, low vision aids and services can make a real difference. These may include magnifying devices, specialized lighting, screen readers, closed-circuit TV systems, and large-print materials. Many patients retain strong peripheral vision and can maintain meaningful independence with the right support.

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We refer patients to low vision specialists at several locations throughout the region:

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  • Spectrios Institute for Low Vision — Wheaton, IL

  • University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) — Department of Ophthalmology, Chicago, IL

  • Low vision services in Rockford, IL — available upon referral

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Please ask our team at your next visit or call our office and we will help connect you with the right specialist for your location and needs.

Transportation Assistance

After a dilated exam or procedure, driving may not be safe. If you need help arranging a ride to or from your appointment, the following options may be available to you.

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Check With Your Insurance First

Many insurance plans — including Medicare Advantage plans — include non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) as a covered benefit. Call the member services number on the back of your card to find out what's available.

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Illinois & Chicagoland Resources

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  • Pace ADA Paratransit Service — Suburban bus service for those with disabilities: www.pacebus.com

  • 211 Illinois — Call or text 2-1-1 to be connected with local transportation and social services

  • Lyft / Uber — Both offer options for scheduled rides in advance

  • Ask our front desk — we're happy to help point you toward resources specific to your area

Clinical Research & Trials

Retina Health Institute actively participates in clinical research, giving our patients access to investigational therapies and treatments that may not yet be widely available.

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If you're interested in learning whether you may qualify for a current study, speak with your provider at your next appointment or call our office. Participation is always voluntary, and our team is happy to answer any questions about what involvement looks like.

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Clinical research is one of the ways we stay at the forefront of retinal medicine — and one of the ways our patients may benefit from tomorrow's treatments today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my eyes be dilated at every visit?

In most cases, yes. Dilation allows your provider to get a clear, complete view of the retina and is an essential part of retinal care. Your pupils will typically be dilated for 3–5 hours after your visit. We recommend bringing sunglasses and arranging a ride if you are uncomfortable driving while dilated.

Can I drive after my appointment?

Many patients are able to drive after a routine dilated exam, especially if they have been dilated before and know how it affects their vision. However, if you are having a procedure, injection, or laser treatment, we strongly recommend having a driver. If in doubt, plan ahead and arrange a ride — it's always the safer choice.

Why do I need so many follow-up visits?

Retinal conditions often require close, ongoing monitoring. Many conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy can change over time — sometimes quickly — and catching those changes early makes a significant difference in outcomes. Your provider will always explain why a follow-up is recommended and how frequently you need to be seen.

I only have symptoms in one eye. Why do you examine both?

Many retinal conditions can affect both eyes, even if you haven't noticed symptoms in the other eye yet. Examining both eyes at every visit allows us to monitor for early changes and treat proactively when needed.

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the federal program that generally provides broad access to specialists, including retina specialists, without requiring referrals or prior authorizations in most cases. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and may have network restrictions, referral requirements, and prior authorization requirements that Original Medicare does not. This can impact your access to specialty retina care and the treatments we recommend. If you have questions about your specific plan, our team is happy to help — or visit our Insurance section above.

Do you offer same-day appointments?

We do our best to accommodate urgent concerns as quickly as possible. If you are experiencing sudden vision changes, new flashes or floaters, or any other concerning symptoms, please call our office right away at 847-488-1030. We will do everything we can to see you promptly.

Do you have Spanish-speaking staff or Spanish materials?

Yes — Spanish-language patient handouts are available, including our eye drop guides and injection aftercare instructions. Please let our team know if you or a family member would prefer materials in Spanish and we will make sure you have them.

Eye Vitamins & AREDS 2 Supplements

If you have been diagnosed with intermediate or advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), your provider may recommend a specific antioxidant vitamin supplement called AREDS 2. This formula was developed through a large clinical study by the National Eye Institute and has been shown to reduce the risk of AMD progressing to advanced stages.

What is AREDS2?

AREDS2 is a specific combination of vitamins and minerals — vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper — formulated to support retinal health in patients with moderate to advanced dry AMD. It is not a cure, and it is not recommended for everyone. Please ask your provider at your next visit whether AREDS2 is appropriate for you.

Where to Purchase

AREDS2-based supplements are available over the counter at most pharmacies and online retailers. Look for products that list the AREDS2 formula specifically on the label. Common brands include PreserVision AREDS2, Bausch + Lomb Ocuvite, and others. Generic versions with the same formula are also available and equally effective.

If you would like a specific product recommendation, ask our team at your next visit.

Important Note

Regular multivitamins and general "eye health" supplements are not the same as AREDS2 and have not been shown to have the same benefit. If you are taking a supplement for your eyes, bring the bottle to your appointment so your provider can confirm it contains the right formula.

 After Hours & Symptom Triage

Not every eye symptom is an emergency — but some are. If you're unsure whether your symptoms can wait until your next appointment or require immediate attention, use the guide below.

Call Our Office First:  
847-488-1030

If our office is open, always call us first before going to the ER.

 

We can often triage your symptoms over the phone and get you seen the same day if needed.

 

Our voicemail provides after-hours guidance as well.

Symptoms That May Be Urgent: Call Us Right Away

  • A sudden increase in floaters or new floaters you haven't noticed before

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  • New flashes of light, especially in your peripheral vision

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  • A shadow, curtain, or dark area spreading across your vision

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  • Blurred or distorted central vision that is new or worsening quickly

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  • Straight lines that suddenly appear wavy or bent (use your Amsler grid)

Go to the Emergency Room Immediately

  • Sudden, significant loss of vision in one or both eyes

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  • Complete loss of vision in any part of your visual field

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  • Eye pain with vision loss

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  • Any sudden vision change following an eye injury or trauma

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These symptoms may indicate a retinal detachment, vascular occlusion, or other emergency requiring immediate intervention. Do not wait for a regular appointment.

Symptoms That Can Usually Wait

  • Mild, stable floaters you have had for months or years without change

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  • Gradual, mild blurring — especially if it has been present for a while

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  • Questions about your glasses prescription or a change in your glasses vision: these should be directed to your general eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist), not our office

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  • Dry eye symptoms: use your artificial tears and contact us if it's worsening

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