misscali,
Eye problems are rare when you're taking Plaquenil. The problem is that if you are one of those rare ones that comes up with eye problems from the Plaquenil they are not reversible. The reason that the doctors are so careful about that is because it's a slow developing problem and having an eye exam every six months it's each to catch before it creates a real issue.
The eye tests they do are not invasive. Probably the first time or two you go they'll just give you a regular eye exam. After that they'll do an extended exam with a couple of tests. They'll take pictures of your retina so they can tell when the next time you come in if there are any changes. When they do that you have no idea they are taking pics, it's just like if they were examining your eyes. The other test they do is one to see if your depth of field is changing. You'll look inside a machine with one eye covered, they'll flash a little tiny light all over the screen and you hit the button if you see it flashing. This test basically defines your blind spot. We all have a blind spot, if you take Plaquenil and develop a problem your blind spot will start to develop in a different spot. They'll print out the test results and compare those to the next time you come in (usually 6 months) and have an exam and test done again.
Other than the normal eye exam and having your eyes dilated and not being able to drive home it's no big deal. More time consuming than anything else. It's one of those tests you don't mind having, no pain, no discomfort. One heads up I'll give you is that if you do not have vision coverage on your insurance, the insurance company will pay for this exam and test because it's having to do with a drug you take for a condition they do cover. Don't let them fool you into thinking they won't pay for it.
Hope this helps you. Good luck and don't worry, the chances of you developing problems on Plaquenil is really rare.