Here, it's best not to give more medical facts, but to let the patient talk some more. You can use the same technique to be sure the patient understands you. After you have given information or instructions, ask the patient to repeat his or her understanding. Have the patient demonstrate comprehension by repeating what you said. Speak in plain English.
Physicians tend to use medical terms, rather than simpler language that patients understand.
Be patient, speak clearly and sometimes louder. Dr. Lee says a valuable resource is patient information pamphlets, available from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Look through these to pick up phrases that will be easy for patients to understand. Doctors should read patient pamphlets and use these terms instead of medical terms. It's wonderfully helpful, and patients appreciate it.