how do you pick your eye doctor?

Question

I found my optometrist through a friend, was wondering how others found theirs.

Answer 1

When I was young, it was done deal, there was one all the family went to.

When I was older it was a done deal. As an optometrist, my colleague and I looked after each other whenever we had a convenient gap.

Twice out of sheer mischief when out of area I have done a "mystery shopper" thing and had my eyes examined by people who did not know what my profession was.
(And they didn't ask! Black mark right there!)
Both times I've been horrified by the poor job done.

Answer 2

How you choose an eye doctor sort of depends on the kinds of problems you are having.

Most physician offices know of an Optometrist in the area that seems to do good work, refers patients that are having medical problems, have few complaints, etc. As these people are in your neighborhood, you can go back if something isn't right with your glasses or contacts. The guys at Wal Mart in my area are excellent. The one at Sears, Pearle Vision, LensCrafters, etc. are all well trained, well qualified, do excellent exams...people. It's a good place to start. There are probably general ophthalmologists in the area as well. If they do refractions and contacts...good. Personally I've found the Optometrists are better trained in the refraction and contact lens arenas, as long as there's no associated ocular or medical disease complicating the issue.

If they find something 'wrong', they'll refer you onto an Ophthalmologist. Most Optometrists know or refer to a few Ophthalmologists that they've come to trust.

Ophthalmologists also refer to each other depending on the type of problem. Most general ophthalmologists refer retina problems to a retina specialist. Glaucoma patients go to a Glaucoma specialist. Other sub specialties in ophthalmology include Ophthalmologists, Pediatric Ophthalmologists, Glaucoma specialists, Cornea Specialists, Orbital Specialists, Retina Specialists, Oncology (cancer), Uveitis, Cataract surgeons, Laser specialists (subgroup of the cornea specialists), Strabismus specialists (Pediatric subgroup), and those that specialize in Systemic Diseases and their Ophthalmological complications (usually Retina guys, Uveitis specialists, etc. things like Arthritis, Bowel disease, Lung disease, collagen vascular diseases as in Lupus, Psoriasis, .....).

I've found that the Optometrists in my area are excellent. They do fairly extensive exams, have a lot to offer most patients with general eye problems.

The retina photos thing. You do not really need retina photos just because. If you have a systemic problem that causes retinal problems, then baseline retina photos would be indicated. Also maybe an angiogram or OCT or Visual Fields if Glaucoma is a question. But you can save a lot of money without the testing with a good general exam. So if you are recommended fundus photos just because, don't get them. If you need fundus photos because you have a retina problem...go see the retina guy and see if he/she needs them. Most don't.

Once you find someone who is gentle, kind, listens and helps you resolve your eye problem, you can stay there. If your contact gets stuck, can you go in and get help? Will he answer the phone? Does he/she explain things?

After awhile it's almost like small town...everyone knows everyone. you know who to go to when...

Answer 3

I searched online for the latest and greatest products for visual health, and then searched in my area for providers that carried and offered many, if not all, of the latest products/services. For example, the eye doctor I've chosen offers, and is a certified fitter for, synergeyes contact lenses. They also have a retinal photography machine, which is a fairly new technology and is not offered everywhere. (The retinal photographs are also not covered by insurance yet.)

Answer 4

my friend is a doctor so I get a lot of connections through him

Answer 5

So better ask ur friend abt the doctor and that shud be the solution of ur problem.

Answer 6

you can just go to a place were they fix eyes and give yuo contacts and stuff (whatever thats called)