An optometrist is an eye doctor who examines eyes for health problems and vision problems, and correct refractive errors by prescribing contact lenses and eyeglasses. Do things appear fuzzy these days? You may have to go for a checkup. However, choosing the right optometrist could be tricky and you don’t want to joke with your eyes; how would you know the right optometrist to consult?

Check the tips below:

Get Referrals

Having earned a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, an optometrist examines the eye and visual system, diagnoses and treats eye diseases and conditions, and prescribes vision-correcting eyeglasses and contact lenses. If you have eye problems or need to get a new optometrist, ask your friends, family, and your primary care doctor for recommendations.

Investigate the Optometrist’s Credentials

Eyes are a fragile part of the body, and you do not want to joke with them. Although optometrists have the clinical training and license to give primary eye care, you should take the time to verify the doctor’s credentials. An optometrist must have completed a compulsory four-year Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degrees and four years of undergraduate college; confirm that the optometrist does not have a history of malpractice or disciplinary actions. The eye doctor’s optometry school, certifications, training, and malpractice and disciplinary records can be accessed on www.healthgrades.com and state websites.

Verify the Optometrist’s Experience

The optometrist’s experience matters when you have eye conditions that could affect your vision. If you use an optometrist with more experience with a condition or procedure, you are most likely to have better results. Ask how many patients with your condition the optometrist has treated successfully. If you require a procedure, ask for the number of such procedure the optometrist has performed and the rates of complications, including your likely risk of complications.

Related Article: Why is it Important to get Frequent Eye Examinations?

Consider Communication Style

This is integral to your treatment and wellness. Only choose an optometrist you are comfortable talking to and who supplies your information needs. When you are meeting a doctor for the first time, ask questions and notice how he or she responds. Find the optometrist that is interested in knowing you and respecting your treatment preferences and decision.

Appraise Patients’ Reviews

Read what past clients have to say about the optometrist to get an insight into he or she practices eye healthcare. You can learn a lot from the patient satisfaction survey as it shows the patients’ experience with the doctor and his modus operandi, the staff friendliness, and office environment.