Choosing the right eye doctor is an important decision that can significantly impact your health. Ask for personal referrals from friends and family, or search online reviews.

Look for an experienced and credentialed doctor. Also, choose a doctor who participates in your insurance plan to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Contact My Eye Doctor Towson now!

Choosing a new doctor requires a bit of research and exploration. Asking for recommendations from friends, family and coworkers is a great way to start. Most people will have an eye care professional they recommend and like. In addition, you can also check online reviews for ophthalmologists or optometrists to see what past and current patients have to say.

When you meet with a potential doctor, take note of how they communicate with you and how they handle an eye exam. During an eye exam, the doctor will ask you questions about your overall health and any medications you are taking. They will then perform tests to measure your ability to focus at a distance and up close, the clarity of your vision, your peripheral (side) vision, color perception and the light sensitivity of your eyes.

If the doctor finds any issues with your vision or health, they will discuss the results and develop a treatment plan. This may include a referral to another doctor of optometry, an ophthalmologist or even your primary care physician for consultation or to treat a medical issue.

The type of support you need from an eye doctor will determine which doctor to choose. Optometrists are trained to provide routine eye care, while ophthalmologists are equipped to handle more serious and complex conditions. If you find a doctor that fits the support you need, make sure they accept your vision insurance and schedule a visit.

During the meeting, look for any certificates or diplomas hanging on the wall. This is a good indicator of the level of education and training the doctor has. It’s also a good time to ask any questions you have and see how they answer them. Be sure to note how attentive they are and whether or not they respect your decision-making process. This can be a good indicator of how they will treat you as a patient.

Check Credentials and Experience

There are many things to keep in mind when choosing a doctor. Some of the most important factors are certifications, qualifications and experience. While these aren’t always easy to evaluate, they can help you narrow down your options and find the right eye care provider for your needs.

Whether you need to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist, it is vital that the person you choose has the proper credentials and experience to take care of your specific vision problems. A good place to start is by asking for recommendations from family and friends. Then, do a little bit of additional research. Look for reviews, check the doctor’s website for information, and make sure they accept your insurance.

It is also a good idea to consider how long the eye care professional has been practicing. The more experienced they are, the better chance that they have seen and treated a wide variety of issues. This means that they may be more adept at diagnosing a problem quickly and accurately.

In addition to the years of experience, you should also consider the type of eye care they have specialized in. For example, if you have children, it is important to ensure that the eye doctor has extensive experience in pediatric vision care. It is also a good idea to ask the doctor what types of procedures they are trained in, and whether they have any specialty areas of practice such as LASIK or cataract surgery.

Another thing to consider is how well the doctor communicates with patients. This is important not only for making appointments, but also to determine if they are a good fit. You want someone who listens to your concerns, is patient and respectful, and takes the time to explain what they recommend.

Lastly, you should also pay attention to how much the doctor charges for an exam and any additional testing. You should be able to find this information online or by calling the office and asking to speak with a billing specialist. This will give you a good idea of how expensive the services will be and what to expect from your insurance company.

Research In-Network Doctors

Finding a trusted eye care professional to help you keep your eyes healthy is an important investment in your long-term vision. Taking the time to prioritize your selection criteria for your new doctor—including experience, reputation, range of services available, facilities and affordability—will help ensure you receive high-quality care that addresses all your unique needs.

Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, and other health care professionals. Then, browse online directories dedicated to eye care professionals or search for providers in your area. Look for reviews from other patients to get an idea of a doctor’s bedside manner, office environment and overall patient satisfaction.

If you have insurance, be sure to choose a provider who’s “in network” with your health plan to minimize out-of-pocket costs. You can usually find this information on the doctor’s website or by calling your insurance provider to request a list of in-network doctors.

Choosing a doctor who has access to advanced diagnostic tools, including optical coherence tomography and corneal topography, can provide more accurate, targeted treatment for many eye conditions. Moreover, these tools can detect and monitor the progression of eye disease and other signs of deterioration with greater speed and precision than traditional methods.

Keratoconus: This progressive eye disorder causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision. Optometrists and ophthalmologists can diagnose keratoconus and recommend treatments like corrective lenses, corneal cross-linking, or surgery, depending on the severity of your case.

Refractive Errors: Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism are common refractive errors that cause blurry vision. Optometrists and some ophthalmologists can correct these conditions with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Ocular Allergies: These conditions, which cause itching, redness, and tearing of the eye, can be managed with antihistamine eye drops or ocular steroids. Both optometrists and ophthalmologists typically treat ocular allergies.

If you have Medicare, it’s important to know whether a particular eye care professional is in-network with your coverage before scheduling an appointment. Using the “find provider” feature on your Medicare online portal can help you locate in-network providers, including optometrists and ophthalmologists, and avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

Ask About Availability

If you’re new to the world of eye care, it’s important to be well-informed before your appointment. By asking the right questions, you can feel confident in your decision and build a positive partnership with your eye doctor. This list of five questions is a great place to start; it can help ease anxiety, teach you more about eye health and eye conditions, and ensure that you leave the appointment with all of your concerns addressed.

It’s also important to ask about treatment options, especially if your eye doctor diagnoses you with an eye disease or condition. This can range from noninvasive options such as contact lenses and glasses to surgery, such as cataract removal or corneal transplant. By being informed, you can make an educated choice for your treatment and prevent the condition from worsening over time.

Another important question to ask is if your eye doctor can recommend other specialists for specific treatment options. This may include ophthalmologists and retinal specialists who have specialized degrees in the field and are qualified to help you with complex or specialized treatments. This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with eye diseases or conditions that require a higher level of skill and expertise to manage, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.

It’s recommended that you see your eye doctor every one to two years, depending on age and other health factors. This helps your eyes stay healthy and allows your eye doctor to catch any issues that can be easily treated in their early stages, such as signs of glaucoma or macular degeneration. Getting regular checkups can also ensure that you’re receiving the correct prescription for your vision and can keep up with your current needs as your eyes change over time.

If you’re in need of an eye exam, we’re here to help! Request an appointment online or give us a call to schedule your eye exam with our team. We look forward to seeing you soon! Yuna Rapoport, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and experienced cataract and refractive surgeon. She has a unique combination of training, including the Accelerated Honors Program at Harvard Medical School and extra fellowship training in refractive, corneal, and cataract surgery. She is committed to educating patients and providing the best quality of care possible.