Welcome to our new patients

Thank you for your confidence in Southern Retinal Institute. We know that your vision is paramount to you, and it is our most serious desire to preserve and treat your vision while also giving you excellent and compassionate care. In order to provide a smooth first visit, please allow us to make some important suggestions.

To Make a First Appointment

Please call us at 504-264-9428, and have the following information available:

    • + Your name as it is listed on your insurance card
    • + Your insurance (including any secondary/ tertiary insurances)
    • + Your address, phone number, email, and date of birth
    • + Your eye doctor
    • + Your general physician
  1. Once your first appointment is scheduled, you will receive login credentials for our Patient Portal where you can fill out patient paperwork with your medical history prior to your visit. Completing these forms online will minimize your time during the check-in process.
  2. Optionally, you can print New Patient Forms, complete them, and bring them with you to your appointment. If you prefer to complete the forms at our office on the day of your appointment, please arrive 30 minutes prior in order to give yourself ample time.
  3. Download and review our Patient Privacy Policy
  4. Please make sure to bring the following to your first appointment:
    • + Your driver’s license or other state ID
    • + Your insurance (including any secondary/tertiary insurances)
    • + A list of your current medications

If you have any questions prior to your visit, please don’t hesitate to call us at 504-264-9428!

Please be aware that some insurance companies require that we obtain referrals from your eye doctor or your regular doctor.  In addition, some insurance companies require authorizations in order to be seen or have certain procedures performed.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Once your first appointment is scheduled, you will receive login credentials for our Patient Portal.

Your first appointment will be comprehensive.  We will ask you about your vision and what is occurring with your eyes.  We will also dilate your eyes in order to have the physician to see your retina well.

In addition, you will likely have an OCT and IVFA testing.  Additional testing may be required depending on the physician’s assessment.

A typical first appointment lasts 2 – 3 hours.  Your eyes will still be dilated at the end of your appointment.  We will provide sun shades to help shield your eyes when you drive home or you may prefer to bring someone to drive you home.

Insurances

  • + APWU
  • + Aetna
  • + Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • + Cigna
  • + Humana
  • + Medicaid (all Bayou Health Plans)
  • + Medicare
  • + Medicare Supplements
  • + Tricare
  • + United Health Care
  • + Wellcare

 

If you do not see your insurance plan listed here, please call our office to see if we have recently been credentialed.

GOLD – Eye Surgery

Patrick O’Sullivan, MD
Southern Retinal Institute
2026 Best of St. Tammany