Patient Information

Preparing for your visit

Q: Will I be awake during the procedure?

For most eye surgeries, yes — awake but numbed and relaxed. You may see lights and movement but should not feel pain.

Q: Can I drive myself home?

No. Arrange a ride with a responsible adult. With sedation you cannot drive for at least 24 hours.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous. Most patients tell us the anticipation was the hardest part. Here’s what to expect — before, during, and after your procedure — so you arrive calm and prepared.

Before your visit

Getting ready

Your surgeon’s office sends you specific instructions for fasting and medications, tailored to your procedure and health history. Always follow those exactly — and never stop or start any medication without their approval. The guidance below is general.

What to bring

Your Ontario health card and a photo ID, any pre-operative paperwork from your surgeon’s office, and a complete list of your current medications (including over-the-counter and supplements).

Arrange a ride

You must have a responsible adult drive you home. Even with local anaesthesia your vision may be temporarily blurred; if sedation is used, you cannot drive for at least 24 hours.

What to wear

Comfortable, loose clothing with a button-up or zip top. Flat, non-slip shoes. No makeup, perfume, or cologne on the day of surgery.

Surgery day

What happens on the day

Most patients are with us for two to three hours in total — arrival and preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery. Here’s the flow:

1	Arrival & check-inWe confirm your details and planned procedure, and our nursing team takes your vital signs. A family member or caregiver can wait in our waiting area.
2	Pre-operative preparationThe surgical eye is marked as a safety step, you’ll review your consent and ask any last questions, and you’ll meet the anaesthesia team.
3	Your procedureMost eye surgeries are done with numbing drops or local anaesthesia — you’re awake but comfortable and should feel no pain. You may notice lights and gentle movement. Procedures typically take 15–45 minutes.
4	Recovery & dischargeYou’ll rest in our recovery area while any sedation wears off. Once you’re comfortable and stable, we review your instructions and your ride home takes you back to rest.

After surgery

Your recovery is seamless

You do not return to U Surgical Centre for follow-up. Your surgeon manages all of your post-operative care through the practice that referred you — with full notes from your procedure, so nothing is lost in the handoff.

Uptown Eye patients
Return to Uptown Eye Specialists for all post-operative visits.

U Eye Laser Cosmetic patients
Return to U Eye Laser Cosmetic for all post-operative visits.

What’s normal: blurry vision for a day or two, mild scratchiness or light sensitivity, watering, and — for eyelid procedures — some bruising and swelling that settles over one to two weeks.

Contact your surgeon’s office right away if you have sudden severe pain not eased by your medication, sudden vision loss or new floaters and flashes, persistent vomiting, fever, or discharge from the eye. For urgent after-hours concerns, call our urgent line at (416) 292-0077, or your surgeon’s office. For a medical emergency, call 911.

Common questions

Questions patients often ask

Will my surgeon be there for my procedure?

Yes. Your surgeon from Uptown Eye Specialists or U Eye Laser Cosmetic performs your procedure here. U Surgical Centre provides the facility, nursing team, and support; your surgeon brings their expertise.

How long will I be at the centre?

Typically two to three hours in total — preparation, the procedure (about 15–45 minutes), and recovery. Your surgeon’s office can give you an estimate for your specific procedure.

Do I need to fast, and what about my medications?

It depends on your procedure and anaesthesia. Your surgeon’s office sends specific fasting and medication instructions — follow those exactly, and don’t stop or start any medication without their approval.

Will I be awake during the procedure?

For most eye surgeries, yes — you’ll be awake but numbed and relaxed. You may see lights and movement but should not feel pain. Your surgeon will explain what to expect for your case.

Can I drive myself home?

No. You must arrange a ride with a responsible adult. Even with local anaesthesia your vision may be temporarily blurred, and with sedation you cannot drive for at least 24 hours.

Where do I go for my follow-up appointment?

Back to the practice that referred you — Uptown Eye Specialists or U Eye Laser Cosmetic. U Surgical Centre is a surgical facility; your ongoing care is managed by your surgeon’s office.