How to Find an Eye Doctor

Finding a doctor is as simple as looking in the Yellow Pages. But the best chance of locating a good doctor for your needs is through referrals. There are several ways to find an eye doctor or ophthalmologist. While national organizations like the National Eye Institute do not provide recommendations or referrals to ophthalmologists, these sites do provide suggestions on finding an eye doctor on your own. It does take some research to find a well-qualified eye doctor who is also personable, but it can be done.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ask your doctor. If you have an eye disease, many general practitioners will refer a patient to a specialist. This is probably the best way to find a doctor. Doctors know personally or by reputation other doctors who will provide excellent eye care.

2. Ask friends, family or co-workers for suggestions. While most people don't have eye doctors unless they have chronic eye problems, many people use eye doctors or know someone who does.

3. Contact your local hospital or medical center. Most hospitals have referral services. Doctors on staff at the hospital who are accepting new patients are usually listed on the referral service. With this type of service you only know that the doctor is an ophthalmologist and on staff at the hospital.

4. Contact your health insurance company. Most health insurance companies provide a listing of doctors who accept your particular insurance plan.

5. Contact state or county medical associations. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has an online directory of eye doctors called Find an Eye MD. The American Optometric Association offers a similar service called the Dr. Locator. These lists may also include information about experience and specialty.

6. Read the "Consumer's Guide to Top Doctors." According to the National Eye Institute, this book "provides a state-by-state listing of medical specialists most frequently mentioned in a survey of doctors." This book can be found at your local library.

7. Use commercial referral services. There are online directories that have a list of doctors by state, city and specialty. The doctors pay to be a member of this service. One to consider is the Find an Eye Doc website.

References

• Finding an Eye Care Professional
• The American Academy of Ophthalmology
• American Optometric Association

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