If you feel you need to get your eyes checked, you need to know which kind of eye doctor you need to visit. You need first to know whom to consult.
There are three kinds of eye doctors- Opticians, Optometrists and Ophthalmologists.
An optician is a trained technician who helps you with visual aids to correct your eyesight. They help you determine and select the correct eyeglass lenses, contact lenses and, or other devices. You will need them after you get your prescription for your glasses.
An optometrist is the one who provides primary vision care. They attend optometry school to be trained and not a medical school. They are the ones who test your eyesight and recommend corrective prescriptions to manage your vision changes. You can also visit them for certain eye irregularities or some special surgical procedures or visual rehabilitation.
Anophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery after studying in a medical school. Apart from offering the services an optometrist can do, they can diagnose and treat every kind of eye condition, perform eye surgeries, and work as a scientific researcher to find the causes and cures related to the eyes.
So, if this is your first time visiting an eye doctor or you are unsure what the root cause of the issue with your eyes is, it is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist, someone who can provide an all-around cure for your eye problems.
Here are three points you need to consider while choosing the best ophthalmologist:
- Check the Credentials & Experience
Before consulting any doctor, including an ophthalmologist, it is prudent to check their credentials, i.e., what kind of medical degree they hold. An ophthalmologist should hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Master of Surgery (M.S.) and Diploma in Ophthalmic Medicine and Surgery (DOMS).
Experience also counts when it comes to doctors. Of course, there are those exceptions that are newbie geniuses, but it is pertinent to select someone who has a few years of experience under their belt.
- Ask for Referrals
Ask your physician for a referral. Since they are familiar with you and your needs as a patient, they can refer an ophthalmologist best suited for you.
You can also ask your colleagues or family and friends for a referral and get to know their experience with the said ophthalmologist. This way, you will know whom you might be comfortable consulting with.
You can also, of course, check for the online reviews of your shortlisted ophthalmologist and then zero in on one.
- Check Doctor’s Listing Platforms
The best way to find any doctor in any city is by visiting one of those doctor’s listing platforms. For example, suppose you are looking for the best ophthalmologist in Kolkata on the Bajaj Finserv Health website. In that case, all you need to do is select your location as Kolkata and the specialist as an ophthalmologist. Your search result will give you a listing of the best ophthalmologists in Kolkata, and you can set an appointment with a simple click.
Your eyes are precious. Do not wait to consult an ophthalmologist if you have any kind of eye issue. Just like the rest of your body, your eyes need equal attention when it comes to ailments. So, do not wait; make an appointment right away.
