About My Disease or Disorder...

• What is my diagnosis?
• What caused my condition?
• Can my condition be treated?
• How will this condition affect my vision now and in the future?
• Should I watch for any particular symptoms and notify you if they occur?
• Should I make any lifestyle changes?

About My Treatment...

• What is the treatment for my condition?
• When will the treatment start, and how long will it last?
• What are the benefits of this treatment, and how successful is it?
• What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment?
• Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while I'm on this treatment?
• If my treatment includes taking a medication, what should I do if I miss a dose?
• Are other treatments available?
  

About My Tests...

• What kinds of tests will I have?
• What do you expect to find out from these tests?
• When will I know the results?
• Do I have to do anything special to prepare for any of the tests?
• Do these tests have any side effects or risks?
• Will I need more tests later?

Understanding your doctor's responses is essential to good communication. Here are a few more tips:

• If you don't understand your doctor's responses, ask questions until you do understand.
• Take notes, or get a friend or family member to take notes for you. Or, bring a tape-recorder to assist in your recollection of the discussion.
• Ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions to you.
• Ask your doctor for printed material about your condition.
• If you still have trouble understanding your doctor's answers, ask where you can go for more information.
• Other members of your health care team, such as nurses and pharmacists, can be good sources of information. Talk to them, too.

July 1996