How To Find an Eye Specialist Near Me

What is an eye specialist?

If your eyes are healthy and don't require specialized medical or surgical treatment, the type of eye doctor you choose for a routine eye exam is a matter of personal preference.

Optometrists and ophthalmologists both perform routine eye exams and both types of eye doctors are trained to detect, diagnose and manage eye diseases that require medical and non-medical treatment.

If you already have a medical eye problem — such as glaucoma, macular degeneration or cataracts — it is important to seek care from an eye doctor who is highly trained and skilled in monitoring and treating your condition. In many cases, this may mean that medical or surgical eye care by a specially trained ophthalmologist is in order. In such cases, your optometrist (or general ophthalmologist) may refer you to a colleague who is a specialist in treating your condition.

Most optometrists offer medical treatment for common eye problems (such as dry eyes and eye infections) and certain chronic eye diseases (such as glaucoma). But certain eye disorders require treatment by an ophthalmologist, particularly if surgery or other specialty care is needed.

How can I find an eye specialist near me?

Our locator makes it easy to find an eye specialist in your local area. Just enter your specific location using the “Edit Search” option at the bottom of the locator, and a list of eye care practices in your area will appear.

If you are seeking an eye specialist for your child, use the filter button to find a pediatric vision specialist near you.

Once you’ve made your selections, a list of your search results will appear. If you prefer to view your results on a map rather than in a list, click on the “Map View” tab above the very first eye doctor listed.

Each eye care practice listed includes ratings, reviews and a “Call Now” or “Book Now” button for when you’re ready to schedule an appointment. So, don’t delay — use the locator to book a pediatric eye exam near you!

What information is provided about eye specialists?

Our locator listings provide an address, phone number and mapped driving directions for eye specialists. Some enhanced listings include lists of services, office hours, photos and more.

Eye specialists often co-manage vision care

In many cases, care for a specific eye problem may be provided by an optometrist and an ophthalmologist working as a team. This arrangement is called co-management.

In co-management, your primary care eye doctor (usually an optometrist) refers you to a specialist (usually an ophthalmologist) for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan. The ophthalmologist may choose to manage the problem medically, perform eye surgery, or both.

After the condition is controlled or surgically treated, the specialist then sends you back to your primary care eye doctor, who continues to monitor and treat your condition or perform post-operative care based on the specialist's recommendations.

Co-management is a particularly good solution if you are very pleased with the quality of eye care you are receiving from your primary care eye doctor, but you want to have any specific medical eye conditions treated by an experienced specialist.

How do I know if an eye specialist is right for me?

An eye specialist’s professional affiliations and memberships can help to indicate expertise in certain areas of practice; for example, ophthalmologists may belong to the American Society of Retinal Specialists or the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. Some organizations have rigorous standards for membership or fellowship, such as the American Academy of Optometry.

Finally, a major factor you should consider when choosing an eye specialist is the recommendation of that doctor by friends, family members or coworkers. Word-of-mouth referrals often are the best way to find a friendly, competent and caring eye doctor and avoid unpleasant surprises when you go to have your eyes examined.

How can I find an eye specialist that accepts my vision insurance?

If you have vision insurance or a health insurance policy that covers eye care, one factor in choosing an eye doctor is determining if he or she is an authorized provider under your insurance plan, and what your out-of-pocket expense will be for the exam.

You can use our locator to find eye specialists accepting your vision insurance, or you can get this information by calling the doctor's office and giving them your insurance information. Many insurance companies also post on their websites a directory of eye doctors who accept their vision plans.

Most optometrists and ophthalmologists who provide general eye care for the entire family accept Medicare for older patients. But be aware that while Medicare covers your visits to an eye doctor for medically necessary eye care, it currently does not cover routine eye exams.

Page published on Wednesday, May 12, 2021