Failing to see things correctly, eye aches, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and blurry eyes are just some of the symptoms of eye problems. If you happen to be experiencing such, then it’s time to visit a competent eye doctor.
Finding a good eye doctor for first-timers can be a challenge. However, knowing what to look for and how to go about it will help ease the process.
Here are a few tips that could help you find the right eye doctor.
1. Know Your Eye Needs
Start by knowing your eye needs. Do you need your lenses fitted? Do you want your eyes to be checked? Do you want to be treated? When it comes to eye care services, there are three types of specialists: Opticians, Ophthalmologists, and Optometrists. Each of them performs specific functions.
An Optician is a technician who fits the lenses as per the prescription. An Ophthalmologist provides medical and surgical eye treatment to prevent eye diseases. An Optometrist specializes in testing visual acuity and prescribing corrective eye lenses.So, if you wake up one morning and find your eyeglasses smashed do not visit an Ophthalmologist instead visit an Optician.
2. Check for Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies usually have a list of all the medical centers they have contracted to offer services. So, if you are insured, you can contact your insurer and have them give you the list of all eye centers under their partnership. Also, you can inquire if they will fully cover the services you want or you will pay from your pocket.If you are lucky enough, you will find a couple of good eye clinics in your home area. If you live in Tempe, your insurer can direct you to a good eye doctor in Tempe for the eye services.
3. Find Out the Services Offered
Finding an eye doctor can be a daunting task for a first timer. But when looking for one, it is imperative to check for the services offered. A good eye doctor should be able to provide you with a wide range of services all under one roof.For instance, if you are visiting an Optometrist, he or she should be able to offer you different types of Optometry services. Besides, the services provided should provide patient satisfaction. Talk to your friends, family, colleagues or family doctor for the best recommendations.
A good eye doctor should be able to see you on a timely manner, do thorough examinations, address all your concerns and even refer you to other eye doctors if he or she cannot handle your case.4. Examine Experience and Qualification
Just like other body organs, the eyes are equally important and very sensitive. For that reason, it is essential that only a well-trained and certified eye doctor examines them. Opticians, Ophthalmologist, and Optometrists all have different qualifications. Make sure that eye doctor is accredited by a medical institution and licensed to operate. Certificates and other documents should be conspicuously displayed for easy access.
An excellent way to find a certified and licensed eye doctor in Tempe is through online medical portals. For instance, the American Optometric Association and The American Academy of Ophthalmology both offer online listing services where the general public can find licensed Optometrists and Ophthalmologist respectively.The last thing you want is to turn blind because of inappropriate and unprofessional eye care services.