The first step in choosing an eye doctor is to understand the difference between an ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician.
Looking for an eye-care specialist can be a daunting task. Ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician? Sometimes, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your particular need.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has completed college and at least eight years of additional medical training. Ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat diseases and perform eye surgery as well as prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses.
Optometrist
As healthcare professionals with a doctor of optometry (OD) degree, optometrists provide primary vision care. They can test for vision problems and prescribe corrective lenses. Optometrists have college degrees and four years of optometry school.
Optician
Opticians are technicians. They provide and fit your glasses or contact lenses from prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists. They do not test vision or write prescriptions.
Once you've decided which level of eye-care professional you need, here are six top tips from the National Eye Institute on where to look:
1. Contact your insurance company or refer to your health plan to find a list of eye-care professionals that are covered under your plan.
2. Ask family members and friends about the eye-care professionals they use.
3. Ask your family doctor for the name of a local eye-care professional.
4. Call the department of ophthalmology or optometry at a nearby hospital or university medical center.
5. Contact a state or county association of ophthalmologists or optometrists. These groups, usually called academies or societies, might have lists of eye-care professionals with specific information on specialty and experience.
6. Visit a local bookstore or a library for journals and books about selecting a physician and medical treatment. A library reference specialist can help you identify books on finding healthcare professionals.
