A study conducted by the National Eye Institute (NEI) in 2004 stated that over 3.3 million Americans, aged 40 and above, were suffering from blindness and poor vision. This figure is expected to increase to 5.5 millions by 2020. Visual impairments have become common even with the young population. Symptoms, such as dry eye, astigmatism, cataracts and corneal ulcer, among others, must be treated at the very onset to avoid the probability of partial or complete blindness. If you are a resident of Texas, take heed of the following tips to choose the best eye doctor in Austin.
Eye Doctor in Austin: Tips for Choosing the Best
The type of eye doctor you look for would depend on the overall health and the severity of your eye problem. For complicated vision problems, see an eye specialist. For a regular eye checkup, you may consider visiting an optician. To see a good eye doctor in Austin, you must follow these steps:
Check the credentials: You must choose an eye specialist who has the right training to meet your vision needs. An ophthalmologist has specialized experience in medical procedures. They have either an M.D. or D.O. degree and take care of complicated eye problem. An optometrist carries a doctor of optometry (DO) degree. They are qualified to deal with common eye and vision related diseases. An optician can work in conjunction to any of the other two. Opticians help to examine the eyes or prescribe eye care solutions.
Check for the doctor’s experience: Credentials without field experience will not prove worthwhile, especially if you are facing a complicated eye problem. See an ophthalmologist or optometrist who has a minimum of five years of working experience in the field. Also, it is crucial for you to find out whether the specialist has handled cases similar to yours successfully. You can ask for referrals from family members or friends or can look for client testimonials.
Analyze the professional information online: A well-known eye clinic will have an online presence and will mention all relevant information about the doctors, the kind of facilities being offered, contact details and privacy policy. After confirming the accuracy of information, you can take an appointment with the doctor.
Price is also an important factor while looking for an eye specialist. Remember that high prices do not imply high quality services. Prices are also dependent upon the location of the clinic and the facilities offered to clients.