How do I choose an eye doctor?
Visiting the eye doctor is an important part of eye health, even if you don’t wear glasses or contacts. Some common eye conditions don’t have obvious symptoms, so getting regular eye exams is a great way to stay on top of your eye health.
3 tips to find a dentist that's right for you
It’s a good idea to think about a variety of factors when searching for a dentist. Of course, things like location and hours are important. But choosing a dentist you like is equally important. Building a trusting relationship with your dentist can help you feel safe and comfortable.2 This often makes it easier to bring up any concerns you have. It may also make you less likely to skip or delay appointments. Consider these 3 tips as you begin your search.2
Types of eye care doctors and professionals
Generally, there are three types of eye professionals: optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians. Here’s a breakdown of their training and the services they offer:
| Optometrist | Ophthalmologist | Optician | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree | Doctor of Optometry (OD) | Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy (MD or DO) | Licensed Optician or Licensed Dispensing Optician (LO or LDO) |
| Training | College, 4 years in a professional program |
College, 8 years in medical training | Associates degree or certification |
| Types of specialties | Pediatric optometry, neuro-optometry or low-vision optometry | Glaucoma, pediatrics or plastic surgery | NA |
| Eye exams | Yes |
Yes | No |
| Prescribes eyewear | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ordering eyewear prescriptions | No | No | Yes |
| Diagnose & treat common eye conditions | Yes | Yes | No |
| Diagnose & treat serious eye conditions | No | Yes | No |
| Surgery & laser procedures | No | Yes | No |
| Advise on eyewear options | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjust and repair eyewear | No | No | Yes |
| Customer service tasks | No | No | Yes |
Which eye doctor is right for you?
If you have vision insurance, check your network to see which eye doctors are in your network.
Next, it’s important to think about what your needs are. Will you be interested in exploring laser eye surgery? Are you mostly interested in routine eye exams and prescription maintenance? Have you experienced any concerning eye symptoms that might require in-depth care?
Once you’ve narrowed down what kind of care you need, you might want to explore patient reviews and referrals from friends or family. This can help give you an idea of communication styles and patient experiences. You may even choose to visit their office to meet the doctor before deciding.
After an appointment, ask yourself if you felt comfortable asking questions. Did the doctor and staff take their time to explain things and help you not feel rushed? It’s also helpful to keep in mind that it’s always okay to switch eye doctors if you change your mind later.
How does vision insurance work?
Supplemental vision insurance helps cover the cost of vision care, including routine eye exams, glasses or contact lenses. You’ll pay your monthly premium to have exams and prescription eye wear coverage. A vision plan is a great addition to your main health insurance or combined with other supplemental plans, such as dental insurance.