Whether you have an eye problem such as cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, etc., or want to get your eyesight corrected, it’s critical that you choose an ophthalmologist who’s experienced, caring, and compassionate. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prevents disorders of the eye.
But, with so many ophthalmologists around, how do you find the one that is best for you? Here are some tips that you can follow to choose the best ophthalmologist.
Tip #1 Ask for Referrals and Recommendations
If your primary care physician or optometrist is referring you to an ophthalmologist, ask them for specific referrals. They may have a longstanding positive relationship with an ophthalmologist in your area to whom they can refer you to. Another good source to ask for recommendations is your family, friends, and colleagues who have seen an ophthalmologist or know someone who has seen one recently.
It’s a good idea to make a list of all the recommendations and referrals you receive from trusted resources and narrow down the list after some research.
Tip #2 Research the Credentials of the Ophthalmologist
Once you have the list of your potential ophthalmologists in hand, make sure to do some homework before selecting one. Choose an ophthalmologist that has the necessary skills, training, and experience to provide you with the best care.
Board certification is one of the most desirable characteristics as it indicates that the ophthalmologist has the necessary training and experience to administer the best eye care. You can confirm the board certification of the ophthalmologist online by visiting the website of the American Board of Ophthalmology.
You must also confirm that your potential ophthalmologist has no history of malpractice or disciplinary action from the state’s website.
Tip #3 Consider the Experience of the Ophthalmologist
Needless to say, the more experienced your ophthalmologist is in treating your particular problem, the better results you are likely to receive. So, you must ask your potential ophthalmologist how many patients with a condition like yours they have treated, and what was the success rate and complication rate of the procedures.
Tip #4 Consider the Reputation of the Ophthalmologist
It’s important to choose an ophthalmologist that has a good reputation among patients. To find out what other patients say about your potential ophthalmologist, read the patient reviews. Patient reviews reflect the patients’ experiences with the ophthalmologist, how well they trust the doctor, how much time the ophthalmologist spends with the patients, and what is the estimated wait time to see the ophthalmologist.
Tip #5 Prioritize Your Comfort
It’s essential that you feel safe, secure, and comfortable with your ophthalmologist. To evaluate this, make an appointment with your ophthalmologist. During your visit, notice if your ophthalmologist shows interest in getting to know you, if they make you feel rushed or engaged, and if they listen to you and respect your decision.
Choose an ophthalmologist who supports your information needs and with whom you are comfortable talking to.
Tip #6 Know Your Insurance Coverage
If you don’t want to pay out-of-pocket for your procedure and treatment, find out whether your insurance plan will cover the cost of the procedure and treatment and if the ophthalmologist is included with your health plan.
To confirm if your potential ophthalmologist is on your insurer’s provider list, call your insurance company directly or search for their name on the member portal of your insurance company’s website.
Ophthalmologist Near Me in Washington, MO
When it comes to your eye care, you should only trust a highly skilled and board-certified ophthalmologist. At Advanced Sight Center, we have a team of board-certified ophthalmologists and an optometrist that is highly experienced in treating a full range of conditions of the eye. Our comprehensive eye care includes state-of-the-art eye exams, and treatment of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal disorders.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists, call today at (636) 239-1650 or use our convenient online request form.
