- Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a curtain over your vision, a chemical splash or an eye injury needs care now. Call our office right away or go to an emergency room. If you can't reach us, call 911.
Eye emergencies
When to call, and when to go now
A hit or poke to the eye
Go to an emergency room now. Call us on the way if you can.
A splash of cleaner or another chemical
Rinse with clean water and go to an emergency room now.
A sudden change in vision
Flashes, a curtain or a shadow means care now. Go to an emergency room.
Not sure?
Call our office and tell the front desk what happened.
What happens at an urgent visit
Every child is different, and she tells you what applies to yours.
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Step 1: Tell us what happened
Dr. Alaniz asks what changed, when it started and whether it comes and goes.
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Step 2: A careful look
She looks at the front and the back of the eye, and may take pictures of the inside.
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Step 3: A plan
She explains what she found in plain words and what to do next.
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Step 4: Follow-up or a referral
Some problems need a second visit here. Others need another doctor, and we send your records.
Questions we hear
Does pink eye mean staying home from school?
School rules vary. Ask the school, and call us if you are not sure what to do.
Can you check an eye infection?
Dr. Alaniz examines the eye, tells you what is going on and what to do, and refers you if it needs another doctor.
Should we come in or go to the emergency room?
For sudden vision loss, flashes, a curtain over the vision, a chemical splash or an eye injury, go to the emergency room now. For anything else, call us.
How is an urgent visit billed?
A visit about an eye problem is usually billed to medical insurance, not a vision plan. The fees page explains.
Pick a day that works for school
Send us your name and number, or call. We will find a time after school or on a day off.