How to Find an Optometrist?

Answer 1

If the value of proper eye care is important to you, you should take the time to look for the best optometrist in your local area. You should also be aware of the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist; an ophthalmologist can perform eye surgeries and treat diseased related to the eyes, while an optometrist will provide primary eye care services. Locating an optometrist that can answer all your concerns is easy if you know what to look for.

Step 1: The best and easiest way to find a good optometrist is to ask for recommendations from your family members, friends and colleagues who might have used the services of a reliable optometrist in the past. You can also ask for recommendations and referrals from your general practitioner, if you need to get in touch with an optometrist for specialized concerns.

Step 2: You can also get in touch with the Better Business Bureau for a list of the qualified and licensed optometrists in your area.

Step 3: If you have the time, you can do your research online and check the website and/or directories or physicians. It is also a good idea to check the Optometrist Network, which has an extensive listing of professionals that are qualified to provide you with the eye care that you are looking for.

Step 4: You can also widen your search online by searching by city and state, so you have more options to choose from.

Step 5: Look at forums and other websites that discuss optometrists, as they will be valuable sources of information regarding the best professionals to take care of your eye care needs. You can make your decision based on the good and not-so-positive reviews about specific optometrists, as well as the price range of their services posted by those who have used their expertise in the past.

Step 6: You can also ask for a list of accredited optometrists from your insurance provider, so the services can be covered by your insurance plan.

Finding an optometrist who can provide the services that you require may take a fair amount of time, but if you plan on building a long-term relationship with this professional, the effort will be well worth it.

Answer 2

What would the world do without the professional skills of an optometrist? There are millions of people under forty years old who depend on glasses in order to read and function in life. After forty years of age, that number jumps significantly since many people begin to have difficulty when trying to read small text and start to develop eye problems.

The increasing population and the onset of vision problems associated with older people, such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, Diabetes and hypertension, which affects eyesight, is generating a greater demand for the services of an optometrist.

Optometrists examine people’s eyes for farsightedness, nearsightedness, ability to focus, depth and color perception, and they test for eye diseases. They prescribe medication to treat eye problems and provide preoperative and postoperative care for patients who have undergone laser and cataract surgery. They provide preventative information to minimize the risk of eye problems.

Some people are confused about the services offered by an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, or a dispensing optician.

• Optometrist: Is not a medical doctor but has completed a four year program at an accredited school of optometry after having previously completed three years of optometry courses.

• Ophthalmologist: Is a medical Doctor Who diagnoses and treats eye diseases but also performs eye surgery. Like an optometrist, they examine eyes and write prescriptions for contact lenses and eyeglasses.

• Dispensing optician: Fits contact lenses and eye glasses as per a prescription from an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.

A number of optometrists are specializing in specific areas of vision problems while maintaining their ability to remain a full scope practitioner. An increasing number of optometrists are forming group practices in which each group member specializes in a specific area. Some specialize in the field of the legally blind, occupational vision, on-the-job strain or injury, sports vision, head trauma, and ocular disease. Others choose to teach optometry, engage in research or become a consultant.

In response to the vision care needs of an aging and increasing population, employment for optometrists is expected to grow through the year 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.