Your First Visit
- Appointments: 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Mon–Fri, with occasional Saturdays.
- New patient visits should be arranged through your primary eye doctor.
- If your insurance requires it, please obtain primary care physician (PCP) approval.
- We specialize in retina diseases and surgery (we do not prescribe glasses or contacts).
If You’re From Out of Town:
- If same-day surgery is likely, we can help arrange overnight hotel accommodations for you and your family (if desired).
- Plan to return the next day to one of our offices for your first post-operative check-up.
- Bring: photo ID and all insurance card(s).
- Optional (to save time): complete/print your registration forms before your visit.
Helpful to bring:
- List of current medications
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors involved in your care
- Our staff will enter or update your registration and insurance information.
- Having your ID and insurance card(s) ready helps avoid delays.
Time in office: usually over 2 hours; if special testing/treatment is needed, plan for up to 3 hours. Most test results are provided the same day.
Dilation:
We dilate your pupils at each visit (about 30 minutes to take effect). Expect blurry vision and light sensitivity for up to 6 hours.
Arrange a driver if possible. Disposable sunglasses are available.With the Ophthalmic Technician
- Review of your current problem, detailed ocular & medical history
- Vision and intraocular pressure measurements
- Dilating eye drops administered (generally painless)
With the Physician
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic & vitreoretinal exam
- Additional tests if needed, which may include: Retinal photography, Fluorescein angiography, Ocular ultrasound, or Visual field testing.
- Your physician will explain findings, answer questions, and outline next steps.
- Consider bringing a family member to help absorb information.
- A consultation report will be sent to your referring eye doctor and medical doctor.
Possible treatments: injections, laser, and/or operating room surgery.
In-office injections/laser:
May be scheduled later or done same day if urgent or if you’ve traveled far. Same-day treatment can extend your visit time.Operating room surgery:
Scheduled at an affiliated hospital. Timing may be same day, next day, or soon after, depending on urgency. You’ll receive post-op instructions and have a next-day follow-up.
Patient Forms
At Tennessee Retina, we value your time and strive to make your visit as smooth as possible. To reduce wait times, we encourage all new patients to complete secure pre-registration before their appointment.
- After scheduling, you will receive a text or email with a link to register from your own device, at your convenience.
- If pre-registration is not completed in advance, you can still fill out the necessary forms upon arrival at our office.
- In some cases, a member of our staff may call prior to your appointment to review your medical history.
Financial Assistance
Your retina care is important, and we have many options to help ease the burden of financial hardship.
Information & Financial Applications can be found HERE
Billing & Insurance
Tennessee Retina's goal is to provide the utmost in assistance and coordination with all of our participating health insurance providers as well as Medicare. We are pleased to be participating providers for Medicare and almost every other major health insurance plan. If you do not have insurance coverage, there are many payment options available to ensure your eyecare comes first. Please contact one of our financial counselors to make arrangements before your appointment.
For more information about Payments and Requirements, click HERE
Patient Portals
Pay your bill quickly, manage your account information, and access your patient health records HERE
Participation in our patient portals is greatly appreciated and strengthens our communications with you regarding your healthcare. To avoid potential scams and phishing websites, please always use the links on this web page or type the full web address shown on your billing statement directly in your web browser.
Additional Resources for You
Looking for more support? Explore our collection of trusted resources, vision organizations, and patient education materials HERE
Get the Exceptional Care You Need!
New patient consultations should be arranged through your primary eye doctor, with the approval of your primary care physician if required by your insurance.
We have locations in Nashville, Bowling Green, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Franklin, Hendersonville, Hermitage, and Murfreesboro.
For any questions about your appointment, please call (615) 983-6000
