Chinook Eye Center | Total Eyecare Routine Eye Exam | What to Expect

What to Expect at Your Eye Exam

We know that understanding what happens during your visit makes the experience more comfortable, especially if it has been a while since your last eye exam or if you are visiting us for the first time. Here is a walk-through of a typical comprehensive eye exam at Chinook Eye Center, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.

STEP 1

Welcome and Check-In

When you arrive for your appointment in Havre or Chinook, our front desk team will greet you, confirm your appointment, and make sure your paperwork is in order. If you are a new patient, we will ask you to complete a brief health history form covering your medical background, current medications, and any vision concerns. If you have records from a previous eye care provider, bringing them along is helpful but not required.

STEP 2

Pre-Exam Testing

Before you see Dr. Perez, one of our trained technicians will guide you through a series of preliminary screenings. These typically include:

Visual acuity measurement: reading the eye chart to establish your current level of vision
Automated visual field screening: a quick test of your peripheral (side) vision that can reveal early signs of glaucoma and other conditions
Optomap retinal imaging: a comfortable, dilation-free scan that captures a detailed photograph of the inside of your eye in less than a quarter of a second
iCare tonometry: a gentle, puff-free measurement of your eye pressure

These screenings give Dr. Perez a comprehensive data set before he even enters the room, allowing him to focus your examination time on the areas that matter most.

STEP 3

Your Examination with Dr. Perez

Dr. Perez reviews your pre-test results and health history, then performs a thorough clinical examination that includes:

Refraction

The familiar "which is better, one or two?" process that determines your exact eyeglass and contact lens prescription. Dr. Perez takes the time to refine your prescription carefully, as a few extra minutes here means significantly clearer vision in your daily life.

Extraocular Muscle Assessment

Evaluates how well your eyes track and work together. This testing identifies muscle imbalances, alignment issues, and coordination problems that can cause eye strain, headaches, and double vision.

Slit Lamp Examination

Dr. Perez examines the front structures of your eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens, under high magnification to identify cataracts, corneal conditions, dry eye signs, and other abnormalities.

Retinal Evaluation

Using your Optomap image and, when indicated, direct examination, Dr. Perez evaluates the health of your retina, optic nerve, blood vessels, and macula. This is where conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal tears are identified.

Binocular Vision Testing

Checks how your two eyes work together as a team, including convergence, divergence, and depth perception.

STEP 4

Your Results and Recommendations

Dr. Perez sits down with you and explains every finding in plain, clear language. He will show you your retinal images, point out anything noteworthy, and make sure you understand what your results mean for your eye health. If you need a new prescription, he will discuss your options. If he identifies a condition that needs monitoring or treatment, he will explain the next steps clearly and answer every question you have.

You are never rushed out the door. Dr. Perez believes your exam is not complete until you fully understand your eye health and feel confident in the plan going forward.

How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?

A typical comprehensive eye exam at Chinook Eye Center takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your needs. Contact lens fittings, diabetic eye exams, and evaluations for specific conditions may take slightly longer. We build our schedule to give every patient the time they need. We do not double-book or rush through exams.

Ready to Schedule?

Call (406) 357-3740 to schedule your appointment at our Havre or Chinook office.
Walk-ins and same-day appointments are welcome.

Our Process