Dealing with a vision-loss diagnosis can be many things: frightening, stressful, surprising, confusing, and the list goes on. One thing it usually isn’t? Easy.
Consider this guide your one-stop checklist for becoming our patient. We’re here to help you make sense of your options and be sure you get the care you need.
Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Request appointment
To make an appointment, call us at 212-769-6300
You or your loved one can also request an appointment online.
Step 2: Check your insurance
Make sure your insurance plan provides coverage at Lighthouse Guild. Coverage does vary depending on the individual plan. Medicaid and New York State Medicare also provide benefits for care here.
If you have any questions, we recommend that you speak with your insurance company or call us at 212-769-6300.
If you don’t have health insurance or you’re worried that your insurance may not cover your entire bill, we may be able to help.
Step 3: Prepare for your visit
The care coordinator who schedules your appointment will give you information about the medical records and other details we’ll need to have before your first appointment.
Knowledge can be a powerful tool — and a comfort. Each person is different, but many people find that knowing more about the vision loss type they’ve been diagnosed with makes them feel more comfortable with their treatment options and more empowered to make decisions confidently.
We also recommend that you bring a list of questions to ask your doctor at your first appointment. If you can, have a family member or friend come with you to participate in the discussion, take notes, or just listen and provide support.
Step 4: Meet your team
Beginning at your first visit, you’ll meet the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who will work together to care for you. Every member of this team of experts — chosen just for you, to meet your specific needs — specializes in diagnosing and treating your particular type of vision loss. Having them work together gives you the benefit of their skills and experience in different areas. This approach helps us make sure that you receive the best possible treatment, designed for you.
A note about nurses: Nurses play an important role in caring for patients at Lighthouse Guild and are often the members of your treatment team that you’ll see the most. They bring extraordinary compassion, knowledge, and expertise to your care, and will help you through every step of your experience.
Step 5: Let us support you
It’s important to everyone at Lighthouse Guild that we care for your total health in addition to treating your vision loss. We offer support groups and a number of other services to support you in every way we can.
We also offer resources especially for caregivers, including online support groups and in-person counseling sessions.
“When I came here, the Lighthouse Guild was so wonderful to me. They brought me back.”
—Adrienne, client