Introduction
Your eye is a very critical part of your body. Choosing the right eye doctor is just as important as keeping your eyes healthy. There are different types of eye doctors, so you might find choosing the right one a confusing process.
The Decision process
When getting ready to decide to choose your eye doctor, you must know that there are two basic types of eye doctors. They are Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. In between this two is a third known as Optician.
Who is an optometrist?
Optometrist refers to an eye doctor who has obtained the Doctor of Optometry—(OD) degree. Doctors who study optometry are responsible for examining the eye for vision and other health problems, as well as correcting refractive errors through the provision of contact lenses and eyeglasses.
In the US, optometrists are licensed and certified to prescribe and provide medications for the treatment of certain eye diseases and problems. Some of them also offer services relating to low vision and low vision therapy. Except where it is permitted, optometrists are not licensed to perform surgery.
Who is an Ophthalmologist?
An Ophthalmologist is a medical specialist in the field of osteopathic medicine. Typically, an ophthalmologist is trained to examine eyes, diagnosed, and help in treating diseases. Also, he can prescribe medications and perform surgery. At times, ophthalmologists also prescribe contact lenses and eyeglasses.
What role does the optician play?
Unlike an optometrist and ophthalmologist, the optician is not a medical doctor. They don’t operate nor give prescriptions, but their role is as critical as the other two classes of caregivers for your eye care. The optician follows and applies the prescription given by the optometrist or ophthalmologist to create and sell eyeglasses for eye correction purpose.
Depending on the situation with your eyes, you will either be contacting an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The optician is the final stage .
How to choose the best eye doctor in Winter Park
-
Look out for reputation
In the modern world of the internet, you can easily verify an eye doctor’s reputation and decide if they’re right for you.
-
Check out credentials
It is good to find out where your eye doctor went to school. This is important to know especially if you’re kids need eye care or if you have a severe condition.
-
How effective is the communication?
If the eye doctor spends adequate time in examining your eye while giving answers to all of your questions, that’s one doctor you should consider coming back to later. Make sure to write down the questions you want to ask before meeting with your doctor, so you don’t forget later on.
-
Consider Referrals
Another way you can ensure you are choosing the right eye doctor is through referrals from your trusted optometrist or ophthalmologist. Depending on your medical history and current eye situation, your regular eye doctor can refer you to another of his or her colleague who is certified and has more experience in the field.
-
Did you feel comfortable in the office?
If it’s your first time of visiting the office, how comfortable are you? Do you like the doctor? If you are not impressed by what you see, don’t hesitate to try another one.
Questions? Contact us.