The eyes are the windows to the soul and a snapshot of the health of the rest of your body. From your eyes, a good doctor can find indications that you are diabetic, have high blood sugar or even have the early symptoms of a brain tumor. Most people rely on their sight more than any other sense, so it is only logical to protect it with the best doctor around. Here's a guide on find an eye doctor.
Instructions
1. Determine whether you need an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. An optometrist is an O.D. and an ophthalmologist is an M.D., but in most cases the major difference is that an ophthalmologist can do surgeries and an O.D. cannot. For routine eye care, including eye exams and even most minor eye injuries, an optometrist is perfectly sufficient.
2. Check the American Optometric Association website for a list of qualified optometrists near you. The website will also help identify specialists who work with children or those who treat specific types of eye disease. It is also a good idea to check with the state agency which licenses doctors. In most states, these agencies provide a website that lists any doctors who have been charged in a malpractice suit or who have disciplinary action pending against them (see Resources below).
3. Call the doctor's office and ask what is included in a basic eye exam. One of the phrases you want to hear is that they check the eye health as well as the vision. Some chain optometry offices only check vision and do not look for health problems in the eyes including high pressure, a warning sign of glaucoma. Be sure to ask for an exam that includes eye health because glaucoma can only be treated not cured and it can cause blindness.
4. Ask family and friends for their recommendations. A good recommendation from a friend can be as important as any medical training. Friends will often be able to tell you whether the doctor is personable, has bad breathe or runs a clean office. All of these can be important.
5. Check with your health insurance. Many health insurance policies include vision exams, but only if you go to the right doctor. Call ahead to ask if the doctor accepts your insurance and you could save yourself hundreds of dollars.
Tags: health insurance, optometrist ophthalmologist