New Patients Welcome at Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA
At Apex Retina Institute, we love meeting new patients and understand that visiting a retina specialist for the first time can feel daunting. From the moment you walk through our doors, our team is committed to making your experience as welcoming, comfortable, and stress-free as possible. For more information or to request an appointment, call us today at (562) 534-1777.
What to Expect as a New Patient at Apex Retina Institute
We believe that great retinal care begins with a great patient experience. When you visit Apex Retina Institute for the first time, we take the time to get to know you — not just your medical history, but your concerns, your goals, and what matters most to you about your vision and quality of life. We put in the effort to walk you through every aspect of your visit, explain your diagnosis in plain language, and make sure you leave feeling informed, supported, and confident in your care plan.
Our Long Beach office is designed to be a calm and welcoming environment where patients of all ages feel at ease. Whether you have been referred by another physician for a specific retinal condition or you are seeking a second opinion, our team will treat you with the same warmth and attention we would offer our own family. At Apex Retina Institute, we consider your first visit the beginning of a long-term relationship — and we work hard to earn your trust from day one.
Preparing for Your First Visit
To make the most of your first appointment at Apex Retina Institute, we recommend arriving a few minutes early to allow time for new patient paperwork. Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of any current medications and supplements, and the names and contact information of any other physicians involved in your care. If you have records, imaging, or referral documentation from a previous eye doctor or specialist, bringing those along will help Dr. Knight get a complete picture of your ocular and medical history right from the start.
It is important to plan for your pupils to be dilated during your first visit, as dilation is a routine part of a comprehensive retinal examination. Dilating drops temporarily blur your near vision and increase your sensitivity to light for several hours after your appointment, so we strongly recommend arranging for a driver to bring you to and from our office. Wearing sunglasses for the trip home is also a good idea. If you have any questions about what to bring or how to prepare, our team is always happy to help — just call us at (562) 534-1777 before your appointment.
Conditions We Treat at Apex Retina Institute
As a dedicated retina specialty practice, Apex Retina Institute focuses exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the retina and vitreous. Dr. Knight and his team have extensive experience managing a wide range of retinal conditions, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments and tears, retinal vascular disease, macular pucker, and floaters and flashes. We also offer advanced treatment options including intravitreal eye injections and retinal laser therapy. Visit our services page for a complete overview of everything we offer.
We accept a wide range of insurance plans to help make specialized retinal care as accessible as possible. Please visit our insurances page or call (562) 534-1777 to verify your coverage ahead of your first visit. We look forward to welcoming you to Apex Retina Institute and providing you with the highest level of retinal care in Long Beach, CA.
Frequently Asked Questions for New Patients at Apex Retina Institute
Do I need a referral to become a new patient at Apex Retina Institute?
Many of our new patients come to Apex Retina Institute through a referral from their primary care physician, optometrist, or general ophthalmologist. However, we also welcome patients who self-refer, particularly those experiencing sudden vision changes, new floaters or flashes, or other urgent retinal symptoms. If you are unsure whether you need a referral based on your insurance plan, our team is happy to help — call us at (562) 534-1777 and we will guide you through the process.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
For your first visit to Apex Retina Institute, please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a complete list of your current medications and supplements, and any prior eye exam records, imaging, or referral paperwork from other providers. If you have had previous retinal imaging such as OCT scans or fluorescein angiography at another practice, those images can be especially helpful for Dr. Knight to review at your initial consultation. Arriving a few minutes early to complete new patient forms is also appreciated.
Will my eyes be dilated at my first visit?
Yes — dilation is a routine and essential part of a comprehensive retinal examination at Apex Retina Institute. Dilating drops widen the pupil to give Dr. Knight a clear view of the retina, macula, optic nerve, and vitreous. The drops take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to take full effect, and their effects — including blurred near vision and increased light sensitivity — can last for several hours after your appointment. We strongly recommend arranging for a driver and bringing sunglasses to wear on the way home.
How long will my first appointment take?
New patient appointments at Apex Retina Institute are thorough by design, as Dr. Knight takes the time to review your full medical and ocular history, perform a comprehensive dilated eye examination, and order any necessary imaging such as OCT or fluorescein angiography. In total, you should plan for your first visit to take approximately 60 to 90 minutes, including check-in and dilation time. We appreciate your patience and want to ensure that every aspect of your retinal health is fully evaluated from the very beginning.
Does Apex Retina Institute accept my insurance?
Apex Retina Institute accepts a wide variety of insurance plans, including Medicare and many major commercial insurance plans, to help make specialized retinal care accessible to patients throughout Long Beach, CA and the greater Los Angeles area. We encourage you to review our insurances page for a current list of accepted plans before your visit, or call our office at (562) 534-1777 and a team member will be happy to verify your specific coverage.
What retinal conditions does Apex Retina Institute specialize in?
Apex Retina Institute is a dedicated retinal specialty practice focused exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the retina and vitreous. We treat conditions including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, retinal vascular disease, macular pucker, and floaters and flashes, among others. Visit our services page to learn more about the full range of conditions and treatments we offer.
How do I schedule my first appointment at Apex Retina Institute?
Scheduling your first appointment at Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA is simple. You can request an appointment online through our website at any time, or call our office directly at (562) 534-1777 to speak with a member of our friendly team. We will help find a convenient appointment time, answer any questions you have about your first visit, and ensure everything is in order before you arrive. We look forward to meeting you.