Did you know there are over 36,000 eye doctors in the US?
If you Google “eye clinic near me,” you may feel overwhelmed by choices — especially if you live in a big city. What’s the difference between an optometrist vs an ophthalmologist? How can you choose the doctor that will best care for your vision needs?
Here are five tips to help you locate the best eye doctor in your locale.
1. Know Which Eye Doctor You Need
“Eye doctor” is a generic term that includes two very different types of medicine.
Optometrists are the ones that test your vision and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. Meanwhile, ophthalmologists treat eye diseases and related health conditions.
Make sure you’re looking for the right type of eye doctor for your needs! For example, you don’t want to book an appointment for new glasses only to show up at an ophthalmologist’s office. If you’re not sure what’s going on with your vision, you can read more here to find out when to visit an eye doctor.
2. Ask for Recommendations
The most logical place to start is with your family, friends, and colleagues. Think of everyone you know who wears contacts or glasses and ask them which eye doctor they use.
How long have they been using that doctor or clinic? Are they happy with the service they receive? Is the pricing reasonable?
3. Read Online Reviews
Next, take your search for an eye clinic online. Whether you get a personal recommendation or you’re just browsing clinics in your area, pull up the latest Google or Yelp reviews.
Do most patients report having a positive experience? Were they treated in a friendly and professional manner? Or do you see a pattern of negative comments that could indicate red flags about the doctor or the clinic?
4. Consider Prices & Availability
Whether you have vision insurance or you’ll be paying out-of-pocket, you need to make sure that the costs fit into your budget. If necessary, ask about payment plans or discount options to defray the costs of the exam or prescription.
It’s also a good idea to check the clinic’s opening hours and ensure it’s compatible with your own schedule. If you work 9-5, you’ll probably need to find a location that stays open in the evenings or on the weekend.
5. Call or Visit the Clinic
Your final step is to call the clinic or stop by and visit in person. Why? This will give you a chance to speak with the staff and get a feel for the practice.
Are you greeted in a warm and friendly manner? Do the staff take the time to listen to you and answer your questions? Or do you feel like you’re getting the brush-off?
Go with your gut and choose a clinic that makes you feel warmly welcomed.
Looking for the Best Eye Clinic Near Me?
It’s hard enough to type “ophthalmologist near me,” let alone choose one! Use the tips outlined above as you narrow your search and find the best eye doctor for your needs.
Now that your search for “eye clinic near me” is solved, what should you do next? Once you have your new glasses, come back and keep browsing our site for more helpful articles like this one.
