How to Choose the Best Optometrist

Taking care of your eyes is essential and finding a good optometrist is the first step. If you do a quick search for eye care centers in Orlando, you’ll find dozens of eye care professionals. How do you choose the one that’s right for you? Asking these five questions will guide you:

What Are Their Qualifications?

What does “eye doctor” really mean? There are two kinds of eye doctors, and they aren’t the same, so it’s essential to understand the distinctions.

Optometrists:

Optometrists are Doctors of Optometry and will have the initials OD after their name. They earned their credentials at an optometry school. Optometrists are healthcare professionals specializing in eye care, including vision testing, and diagnosing, treating, and managing vision changes. They can prescribe and dispense corrective lenses, check for eye abnormalities, and prescribe medications for some eye diseases.

Ophthalmologists:

On the other hand, Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in the eye. They earned their credentials by completing four years of medical school and residencies in surgery and ophthalmology. Many ophthalmologists specialize in pediatrics, neurology, glaucoma, LASIK, or other specific eye concerns. In addition to doing all the things optometrists can, ophthalmologists can also perform eye surgery.

Opticians:

Opticians are technicians that are specially trained to fit corrective lenses. They cannot write a prescription, test vision, or make diagnoses.

If you’re looking for vision correction and general vision screening services, an optometrist is the doc for you. If the optometrist finds a problem, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist for more advanced care.

Is the Price Right?

There’s no reason to visit an eye doctor you can’t afford. Don’t be shy about asking about fees before you make an appointment, and check your insurance carefully to understand what’s covered and what isn’t.

Can They See You in a Reasonable Timeframe?

It doesn’t matter how great the eye doctor is; if you can’t get in to see them, their amazing skills and warm customer service won’t do you any good. Busy doesn’t always equate to better. Ask the office about how long it takes to get an appointment and if they offer emergency after-hours and weekend care so you’ll know you can get the care you need when you need it.

How Do You Feel in Their Office?

A warm, welcoming office makes a big difference. You should feel comfortable interacting with the doctor and be confident that you can ask questions and get answers. The front office staff should be polite, professional, helpful, and friendly. Making and changing appointments won’t feel like a chore if the receptionists and schedulers do their jobs correctly.

Do they Treat Children?

Children’s eyes take special care, so you should always take your little one to an optometrist with extensive experience treating pediatric eye care issues. The office should also be child friendly and cheerful so your kids can be at ease.

Bay Hill Eye Care Center is the One for You

Your search for an optometrist in Orlando ends at Bay Hill Eye Care Center. Our highly qualified optometrists and opticians are ready to take great care of all the eyes in your family, young and old. We offer comprehensive eye care services at reasonable prices in a friendly, comfortable environment. Bay Hill Eye Care Center has everything you’re looking for in an eye doctor.

Come visit us today to see why we’re the optometrist for you.