Tips On Choosing An Eye Doctor Orange County

By Catalina Nielsen


In choosing an eye doctor Orange County residents ought to appreciate that it is one of the most important decisions as concerns healthcare. It is this doctor that will be entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding sense of sight and also assist their patients to maintain best vision for a long time. In choosing a specialist, the first very important thing to consider is that there are two main specialists in this field; ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Optometrists are specialists that have a Doctor of Optometry degree. They are the ones that examine eyes for vision and health problems. By doing so, they correct any refractive errors and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses whenever there is need. In addition, there are those that offer low vision care and also administer vision therapy.

An optometrist in the United States of America is licensed to offer a wide range of treatments for eye problems and diseases affecting the eyes. The state law regulates the level to which these specialists offer medical care. Except in very few cases, optometrists are not licensed or trained to carry out any surgeries. They offer care before and after surgery.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors, MD, or osteopathic doctors, DO, that have a specialization in eye and vision care. Their training involves performing examinations of eyes, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, prescription of medications and performance of surgery. Prescriptions for eyeglasses and contacts are also written by them. Opticians on the other hand are not eye doctors but use prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists for fitting and selling lenses and eyeglasses.

The family physician is one of the most important people when it comes to choice of specialists for eyes. This is because chances are that they know quite a number of them and are thus able to give recommendations on the best. They are even able to talk to the specialists individually and give referrals thereafter. There is also the option of getting recommendations from relatives, friends and workmates.

The professional background of the specialists is very important and would need to be examined. Doctors that have practiced for longer have better experience than new ones, but this does not mean that new doctors should not be considered. Professional background may also be checked by considering past patients.

As much as possible, many providers should be consulted. This is one of the best ways to make a comparison on not only the services on offer but also the costs incurred. The good thing is that most such services are offered for free. One is able to make the best decision as a result.

In considering the services of an eye doctor Orange County residents are also able use insurance. For those that have insurance covers, the preferred specialist should be an authorized provider under the particular cover. Without insurance, one has to go for providers with the best services at the best costs.




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