Tips & Advice
What qualities should you look for in an optometrist?
To find a professional that fits your needs and wants, look for an optometrist with the proper licensing and compliance with state-specific legalities as well as these qualities: attentiveness, ability to listen, ethics, compassion, ability to communicate effectively and willingness to spend time with patients.
What kind of insurance is needed to see an optometrist?
Vision, like dental, is often an additional voluntary cost for employers who provide health care coverage. As a result, it may not be included in basic company-sponsored insurance. Those who do have access to this type of coverage - or Medicare - often only pay for a portion of their eye exam services.
What is the typical cost of an optometrist visit?
The cost of an appointment with an optometrist varies based on the services required. While a typical eye exam can range from $50 to $250, depending on location. If if glasses or contact lenses are prescribed, or tests are needed, the overall expense of an optometrist visit can increase.
At what age should children start visiting the optometrist?
The American Optometric Association recommended that patients have their first eye exam at six months of age, followed by another at 3 years old, and again at school age. At that point, Regular annual exams are recommended.
What's the difference between an optometrist, an optician and an ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are eye doctors that have received higher levels of training than both opticians and optometrists, and can also perform eye surgery when necessary.
Opticians design and fit eyeglasses, frames, and lenses that are prescribed by optometrists and ophthalmologists. They do not perform vision tests or write prescriptions for visual aids.
Optometrists fall between ophthalmologists and opticians. Optometrists can detect and treat eye abnormalities, prescribe lenses, and complete eye exams, but cannot perform eye surgery.
What education is required to become an optometrist?
To become an optometrist, students must complete a four-year bachelor's program in a related field, such as physiology or biology, as well as a four-year optometry program. Upon graduation, optometrists need to gain a state license in order to practice.
Can you order glasses and contact lenses through an optometrist's office?
Yes. Optometrists can prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and patients can order them through an optometrist's office. Optometrists can also provide your prescription if you want to shop around for glasses or lenses according to style or budget.
What are some warning signs of vision problems?
See an eye care professional if you have an eye injury, eye pain, discomfort, redness, loss of vision, shadows or blurred vision.
How often should you see an optometrist?
It is recommended that patients get their eyes checked every one to two years, depending on their current eye-care needs, age, and risk factors.
What does an optometrist do?
Optometrists provide basic vision care, as well as diagnose and treat vision changes. These professionals perform vision tests and eye exams, prescribe glasses and other lenses used for vision correction, and medication for specific optical diseases.
