Are you struggling with your vision? Are things looking blurry to you?
Maybe it’s time to consult an eye doctor!
Generally, you can relate fuzzy vision with ageing, but with the increase in technology, smart-phones, and the work-from-home era due to the pandemic, more and more people are becoming the victims of poor and fuzzy vision, irrespective of their age.
Choosing an eye doctor is just as important as choosing a general physician. But, before you start making that call, learn the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologists.
Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologists
Optometrists:
Unlike regular family doctors, an Optometrist can treat some eye diseases, prescribe medication and do not perform eye surgeries. Their qualifications comprise going to college, four more years in Optometry school and can also specialize in some types of eye diseases.
Ophthalmologists:
Ophthalmologists are eye specialists who treat various types of eye diseases, prescribe medications for eye treatment, and perform surgery on the eyes. To become an Ophthalmologist, one would go to college, then spend four years in Medical School, and then spend four more years in a residency program. An Ophthalmologist can perform procedures like stye and lesion removal, eyelid reconstruction, and more. For instance, there is a distinguished Ophthalmologist in Calgary that specializes in basic eye care services and advanced procedures like blepharoplasty, skin Tags Removal / Benign Eyelid Lesions and much more, at a very affordable price.
So, which Eye Doctor is the right fit for you?
If you are looking for a general eye-exam, an optometrist or ophthalmologist will serve the purpose. Fitting contact lenses and educating you on all the options about glasses, spectacle lenses and contact lenses – Optometrists are the go-to professionals. But if you are looking for someone to treat a specific eye disease, or treatment like blepharoplasty, lesion removal, stye treatment and more, an ophthalmologist is the right person to go to.
If this is your first time consulting an optometrist or ophthalmologists, choosing the right one could be tricky! Here are 4 things to keep in mind when choosing the right eye doctor:
- EXCELLENT REPUTATION:
The Optometrist or Ophthalmologists you are thinking of visiting should have an unwavering reputation!
The most effective way to get a reference or recommendation for an eye doctor is asking your general physician as they have a sense of who would fit your needs best. You can also ask your family and friends for eye clinic suggestions.
When you are buying a new product or investing money in a new service, you look for online reviews; you can do the same with eye doctors! This helps you weigh your options based on other people’s experiences.
- CONVENIENCE AND AFFORDABILITY:
Eyes are important, and choosing the right eye clinic to serve your needs at an affordable price is highly essential!
You need to know how much other eye doctors are charging at an average for the type of service you require. Ensure there are no hidden costs involved if you are opting for a surgery or a long-term treatment.
Along with that, it is important to check how convenient it would be to get an appointment at the eye clinic. Eye doctors are usually booked two-three weeks in advance, and getting a weekend or an evening appointment could become strenuous.
- PROPER QUALIFICATIONS AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY:
If you have a list of eye-doctors to choose from, you can check for an optometrist’s or ophthalmologist’s qualifications. The qualifications ensure that the eye doctor is the right person to consult. You can usually check this on their eye clinic’s website.
It is observed that a lot of eye doctors resort to old equipment. The equipment should be fast and provide you with an accurate result.
- A WELCOMING AND COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE:
The right eye doctor will never boast about what they do; they will simply prove it to you!
Once you have done all your research and are ready to consult one, you can book your appointment. In situations like these, first impressions are really a thing!
After your first visit, ask yourself a few questions:
Did you wait for a really long time?
If you did, you should ask your eye doctor for an average waiting time for your future visits.
Did the eye doctor listen to your problems and concerns?
If you left that the doctor was in a rush, that’s a terrible sign! Your eye doctor is supposed to listen and respond to you patiently.
Did the test feel complete, and did you feel comfortable?
This is very important! If you don’t like the doctor, you are not very likely to book regular appointments, which are not good for your health.
The sooner you realize your eyes need attention, the better!
The above prerequisites should help you find a good optometrist or ophthalmologist, whichever serves your needs the best. Always keep these tips in mind and book an appointment with an appropriate and reputable eye clinic today!