Choosing a family eye care doctor is just like choosing any other healthcare provider: it entails doing your homework—and knowing and asking the right questions. This way, you ensure that you’re confident in your decision. After all, our eye health and overall quality of life are inextricably intertwined.
Below are five questions you may find worth asking when deciding on a new eye care doctor for you and your family.
Q1: Do You Accept My Health Insurance?
Eye care can be costly, particularly when many members of the same family need to see the eye doctor. Thus, when doing your initial research, make sure to call the office, or go online, to see if the provider accepts your insurance.
It also helps to ask your insurance provider to check on co-pays and covered services.
Q2: Where Are Your Offices Located?
When calling the eye care center, consider asking about their location. You’ll want a family eye doctor close to your workplace, home, or your children’s schools.
Q3: Are You an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist?
Make sure to ask this question when you have booked a consultation with your potential candidates.
Figure out what your specific needs are, so you know which type of eye doctor to see. An eye doctor is either of the following:
Ophthalmologist – This is a medical professional trained to handle all aspects of eye care. They can perform examinations, prescribe corrective lenses, and do complex surgeries to treat cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and refractive disorders, among other eye conditions.
Optometrist – This is an eye care professional whose scope of practice is limited only to providing vision care—from eye exams to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of vision changes. It is worth mentioning that an optometrist is a doctor of optometry and not a medical doctor.
Q4: What’s Your Specialty?
Just like other medical doctors, ophthalmologists have their specialties, so be specific about your concerns and ask about the provider’s specialty and services.
Q5: What Type of Eyewear Is Best for My Child?
Children’s lenses should be made of trivex or polycarbonate, both of which are designed to provide your youngster with optimal comfort and protection from eye injuries. These lenses are impact- and scratch-resistant and lightweight.
Make sure to also gauge the attitude of their frame specialists when it comes to their willingness in helping you and your child choose eyewear that looks good and wears well.
Eye Care Doctor in Washington, MO
At Advanced Sight Center, our team includes three board-certified ophthalmologists and a highly qualified optometrist who have one goal in mind: to provide the families in Washington, Missouri, and all of its neighboring places with top-notch, comprehensive eye care, so they can “see the future clearly.”
For more information about our services or to book your visit with one of our providers, call our staff at (636) 239-1650, or request an appointment right here on our website.
