How to Choose an Ophthalmologist

Finding the right ophthalmologist is an important decision. You do not want to trust the care of your eyes to just anyone. Doing a bit of research can help you find the right doctor to care for your precious eyesight.

Follow one or several of these steps when looking for an ophthalmologist:

• Talk to friends or family to see if they have an ophthalmologist that they recommend. Getting a recommendation from a person close to you can often be the best way to find a doctor. Ask them if they feel comfortable with their doctor and if they are aware if they are accepting new patients. 


• Seek the advice of your primary care physician. To go to a specialist like an ophthalmologist, you will need to have a referral from your PCP. Find out which ophthalmologists are recommended. Your doctor should also be able to identify ophthalmologists who can work with your insurance company.


• Go to a website like HealthGrades to find out how ophthalmologists in your area rank. These types of sites contain ratings and ctitiques from real patients, so you can get a realistic idea of what the doctor is like.


• Set up a consultation with an ophthalmologist. Although they will almost certainly charge you for this consult, it can help you get to know the doctor in a short period of time. You can meet them face-to-face and address and concerns or questions that you may have. It is especially important to have a good rapport with your ophthalmologist if you will be requiring long-term care.