• Questions to ask your Doctor
  • Choose Quality Care

How to Choose Your Eye Doctor


The eye doctor of your choice is a personal decision. If you are interested in an eye doctor, you’re likely to wish to have one that is dedicated to ensuring the finest results. You’ll want an eye doctor who wishes provide eye care that is second to none. Fortunately, there are a great number of eye doctors to choose from in the U.S. While every eye doctor has their own areas of expertise, every eye doctor is dedicated to preserving your vision with the mission to deliver high quality care for your eyes. With selective access to cutting edge technologies and enhanced techniques, it’s also wise to learn more about talented eye doctors. We also do not want you to be remiss about the Top Questions to Ask Your Eye Doctor,  Eye Conditions, Symptoms and Treatment and Ophthalmology Forums to hear about some the latest advancements for you in this field direct from eye doctors.

California

Beverly Hills

Los Angeles

Santa Monica

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

Lodonderry

Maryland

Annapolis

New Jersey

North Jersey

New York

Brooklyn

Long Island

Manhattan


Eye doctors offer consultations for you to address all of your concerns and set reasonable expectations for your eye care purchase and/or vision procedures. Generally, there are two types of eye doctors; eye doctors who diagnose eye conditions and diseases or opticians who can fit eye wear. Thoughtfulness and sophistication are two personality features that are common among eye doctors, but each eye doctor has their own skill set that you’ll want to be aware of. For example, some ophthalmologists focus on Refractive Surgery, such as, LASIK, Refractive Lens Exchange, IOL Wavefront, Multifocal Lens, Cataract Surgery, Corneal Transplant, and/or Glaucoma treatment and alternatives.

Ophthalmologist has the designation of MD and is a medical or osteopathic doctor. They have completed fours years of medical school, a minimum one year of internship training and three years of residency training at a hospital. They may have also accepted a fellowship in a specific area of expertise. In addition, they may have published scientific papers or presented lectures to professional and public audiences, as well as, accepted membership of a position of title with medical organization, such as, the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists perform eye examinations, diagnose treat eye conditions, perform eye surgery and prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses or vision surgery.

Neuro-Ophthalmologist has the designation of MD. These physicians are also neurologists, neurosurgeons, or ophthalmologists that specialize in nervous system diseases which impair vision. These nervous system diseases include: unexplained vision loss, vision loss due to stroke, or vision loss due to optic neuropathy, optic disc edema, ocular myasthenia gravis, brain tumors, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pseudotumor of the brain. Neuro-ophthalmologists complete subspecialty training by accepting fellowships at hospitals, typically university based medical centers. If you have any of the above mentioned neurology related vision conditions and do not see an ophthalmologist, your health access may be limited since there are only a select number of Neuro-Ophthalmologists across the U.S. and some medical doctors may not know how to screen for these types of conditions. In short, if you have a neurological condition and your vision is impaired, it’s wise to locate a Neuro-Ophthalamologist to prevent the risk of delayed care that may impede your quality of life. You can visit, The North American Neuro-Ophthalmological Society website to learn more about how you can find a Neuro-Ophthamologist.

Optometrist has the designation of OD for osteopathic eye doctor. They have completed four years of post-graduate optometry school, a residency program and advanced studies in a specialized area of expertise, such as low vision therapy and rehabilitation. They may also have contributed to their professional community or the public through the presentation of lectures, technical briefs, or participation in medical organizations, such as, the American Academy of Optometry. They perform eye evaluations to screen for eye conditions, prescribe ophthalmic medications or corrective eye lenses. They may also participate in preoperative and postoperative planning for eye surgery.

Optician follows the instructions of an eye doctor, such as Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, to fill prescriptions for eyeglasses and sunglasses. In certain states, they must complete training and licensing requirements. In some states, opticians can fit contact lenses.

Most importantly, you’ll want to be comfortable with your eye doctor. When you see an eye doctor, you’ll likely be greeted with a warm conversation, thoughtfulness, and sophistication to make the most informed decisions about your vision care. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.