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Eye check-up and spectacles for patients from Margao: is the trip to Vasco worth it?

People from Margao often pass Vasco on their way to the airport, the port or a job in Verna. If you are thinking of having your eyes tested or new spectacles (chashma) made with us, this page sets out what the visit involves and how to fit it into your day. ReNew Vision Eye Hospital is in Vasco, not in Margao: 2nd floor, Pai Hospital building, Vaddem Merces Road, Vaddem, Vasco da Gama.

Why get spectacles at an eye hospital?

A blur that new glasses do not fix may be an early cataract, raised eye pressure or a change in the retina from diabetes, which is common in Goa. At ReNew Vision the spectacle power test is done inside the eye hospital, so the eye doctor can check the health of your eyes at the same visit, and the prescription goes straight to the Vision Correction Centre in the same building. Read what a complete eye check-up includes.

Working in Verna or Vasco? Come after your shift

The Eye OPD runs from 4 pm to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday, which suits people who work in the Verna industrial estate, at the port or at the airport. Verna is on the way from Margao, so the hospital is only a little further along: past the Cortalim junction and down the Vasco road (NH 366) through Zuarinagar and Chicalim. If you finish at 5 pm, call 072489 88039 to check that you can still be seen comfortably before 7 pm, especially if drops will be needed.

How do I get there from Margao?

By car or scooter, it is about 27 km on NH 66 and the Vasco road: under half an hour on an empty road, closer to 45 minutes in normal traffic. By bus, KTC shuttles and private buses leave the Margao KTC bus stand for Vasco through the day; from the Vasco bus stand, an auto-rickshaw takes you the last kilometre to Vaddem. If someone in the family cannot travel easily, we can collect you from your home and drop you back, at zero cost to the patient.

Will I be able to ride home?

Not always. For a complete check-up the eye doctor often uses drops that widen the pupils. For a few hours afterwards close vision is blurred and bright light, including oncoming headlights on NH 66, feels harsh. If drops are likely, come with someone who can drive, take the bus, or use the pickup and drop. If you only need a quick spectacle power test, say so when you call; riding home is then usually possible, but the eye doctor decides on the day.

What happens at the Vision Correction Centre?

• You choose frames at the Vision Correction Centre, where the measurements for your face and the lens centres are taken.
• Lens choices, such as single vision, bifocal or progressive, are explained; see types of spectacle lenses.
• Ask when the spectacles will be ready, so you can plan whether to collect them on a working day or combine the trip with another errand in Vasco.
• Contact lenses need a separate fitting, and power sunglasses are made the same way as spectacles.

Spectacles are not sold online; frames and lenses are chosen in person. More on spectacles and the Vision Correction Centre.

Riders, drivers and licence forms

Many Margao commuters ride two-wheelers on NH 66 every day, through sun, dust and evening glare. Sunglasses with UV protection help, and power sunglasses are possible if you wear spectacles. If you need an eye fitness certificate for a driving licence, a job or school, bring the form; the eye check for it can be done at the same visit. See eye fitness certificates.

What should I bring?

• your current spectacles, and old prescriptions if you have them
• contact lenses and their case, if you wear them
• sugar or BP reports, if you have diabetes or high blood pressure
• any certificate form, and sunglasses for the ride home

And if it is urgent?

A chemical splash, an injury or a sudden loss of vision cannot wait for the OPD. Emergency eye care at ReNew Vision is available 24 hours, every day; call 072489 88039 on the way.

Questions patients ask

Can I get my eyes tested after work in Verna?

Yes. The Eye OPD is open 4 pm to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday, and Verna is on the way from Margao to Vasco. Call 072489 88039 to plan the time, especially if drops may be used.

Can I buy spectacles on the same visit?

Yes. The Vision Correction Centre is in the same building, so you can choose frames and lenses right after the power test. Ask when they will be ready, so you can plan how to collect them.

Can I ride my scooter back to Margao after the eye test?

Not if dilating drops are used: they blur close vision and make headlights glare for a few hours. Come with someone who can drive, take the bus, or ask for the home pickup and drop.

Which bus goes from Margao to Vasco?

KTC point-to-point shuttles and private buses run from the Margao KTC bus stand to Vasco through the day. From the Vasco bus stand, take an auto-rickshaw for the last kilometre to Vaddem.

Is ReNew Vision in Margao?

No. ReNew Vision Eye Hospital is in Vaddem, Vasco da Gama, about 27 km from Margao. It has no branch in Margao.

This page is general eye-health information, not personal medical advice. Your eye doctor advises you after examining your eyes.