Are you experiencing fuzzy eyesight? Probably, it is time to consult an eye doctor. If you are new to this, you may face a confusing situation. There exist many kinds of eye experts, who specialize in different cases.
Where to Find a Good Eye Doctor?
- Consult a general physician and ask her for referrals. She can provide names of eye doctors near your location. She may have an idea who will be suitable for you and your kids.
- Ask co-workers, friends and family- For one, you can consider any one who wears glasses-ask them about their eye doctors.
- Consult professional organization or read online reviews.
The type of eye doctor you are seeking depends on overall health of your eyes. In case you suffer from vision problems and complex eye diseases, you may need to consult an eye specialist like an ophthalmologist. In other cases, it may be fine to consult an optometrist for basic eye care.
How to Select a Doctor?
There exist many specialties within the field of optometry. For instance, an ophthalmologist is a doctor of the eyes, with specialization and experience in medical and surgical procedures. They suit those patients who have eye disease, injury to the eye or complex vision problems.
The ophthalmologist has typically, an M.D. degree. She will have finished at least 4 years of medical school and specialized training. She will have license of a state regulatory board and have the qualification for diagnosis and treatment of different eye conditions.
In case of an optometrist, he would have finished 4 years of optometry school and may carry credentials of Doctor of Optometry. He is sufficiently qualified for diagnosis and treatment of common problems of vision and eyes. In most cases, he may have special training in specific types of problems of eye health.
Take note that optometrists are not medical doctors. But they are trained to detect deformities and diseases of the eye such as glaucoma and cataracts. But they are not permitted to conduct eye surgery to correct diseases and may refer such cases to the ophthalmologist.
Many optometrists work with patients with different vision problems and can do prescription of corrective lenses to help in improving their vision. They can also do diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the anterior surface of the eye like conjunctivitis, dry eyes and other inflammation of the eyes.
The third type of eye specialist is the optician. He works together with optometrist or ophthalmologist to deliver eye care services like fitting of contact lenses and eye glasses. Most opticians have a two year degree. An optician of right qualification can help interpret a prescription and take a decision on which lenses best suit your needs.
Finding the Right Specialist
One must always consult an eye care specialist with right training, like those working in Melbourne eye clinic, to meet the vision requirements of the individual. In case, you have eye problems and diseases, your best option is an ophthalmologist. For vision problems, you may need to consider an optometrist, in case you require his prescription for pink eye or corrective lenses.
While choosing services of an eye doctor, you must consider her experience and credentials. You need to ensure they provide services that suit your need. Most eye specialists will furnish licenses and certificates on request.
These are all some aspects about consulting services of an eye doctor.
