How to Choose a Local Eye Doctor

Your eyes are important and their care should not be taken lightly! If you have moved to a new city, have a new vision insurance plan or are looking for a new provider in your area, there are so many things to consider before making a decision that is right for you and your family. Vision care is readily available and should occur on an annual basis. Follow these tips to help choose the best eye doctor for you and your family.

1. Are you new to the area or simply need to select a new provider for any reason? Ask around! Ask for doctor recommendations from family, friends and coworkers. Chances are you are going to come across someone who has an eye doctor that they cannot stop raving about.

2. Check with your vision insurance plan. Even if you have a recommendation from a family member or friend, you are still going to want to call your insurance company. They can help to ensure that this provider is in-network with your insurance. This can help you avoid unwanted costs.

3. Consider how much flexibility you are going to need. Are you going to need evening appointments? Are weekend appointments better for you? Visit office websites or give them to call to find out how many nights a week or how many weekends a month do they offer appointments?

4. Conduct a quick Internet search for the eye doctors you are considering using. Look for reviews that patients have written. Chances are you are going to find information about the doctor and the practice. You'll learn a lot about wait times as well as what the doctor is like. Does the provider spend a lot of time with patients? Are they quick to move from patient to patient? Will you spend a lot of time in the waiting room? Is the front office staff friendly?

5. Will you be needing an eye doctor that is good with children? If you have children, you can visit a physician that deals with patients of all ages. You can also consider a pediatric physician. These physicians focus specifically on vision care for children. They are likely to be very patient and skilled in handling even the youngest of patients. Pediatric offices are also likely to have a more child-friendly atmosphere.

6. Ask your family medicine physician. The doctor that you receive routine medical care from will likely have a handful of vision providers that he or she refers patients to on a regular basis.

7. Check out a potential eye doctor's credentials. It doesn't hurt to find out where he or she went to school and what type of certifications they have. This can help put your mind at ease.

Choosing a vision care provider for you and your family is a major decision. Choosing the right physician can help you develop a great doctor-patient relationship for many years to come.