
How do I choose the best eye doctor for me?
What to keep in mind and where to seek advice.
When seeking therapeutic or surgical advice or treatment of any kind, including ophthalmic advice, choosing the right medical professional is important to both achieve the best results, but also the patient experience that provides a level of comfort and care.
In this blog we explore what you should consider when making this choice and who can help you find the right doctor-patient fit.
Don’t know where to begin? Start with a trusted source.
Eyes are precious and it’s important to take care of them ongoing. It’s likely that you may already have a relationship with an optometrist or a General Practitioner (GP). If this is the case, and you trust this medical professional, then they provide an excellent and expert source from which to seek a referral to an ophthalmologist. They will have a top level understanding of the type of treatment you require, which ophthalmologists are skilled in this sub-specialty, and be able to provide you with a referral if required.
Your friends, family, and peers also provide a valuable and equally relevant source of reference. Many of them may have had experience with an eye doctor and are able to provide an unbiased and patient focussed perspective on treatment they have received.
In addition, it is always worthwhile reading any Google Reviews received. Easy and convenient to access, if their rating is consistently good and the reviews sound genuine, these insightful snippets can provide an unbiased snapshot of patient experience that is worth taking into account.
Understand the treatment you are seeking
When choosing your eye doctor or ophthalmologist, it is important to understand why you need them.
Having a basic understanding of the medical treatment you seek, what it is likely to involve, what you can expect during the treatment journey, and the recovery process, will mean you are better positioned to ask the right questions and better understand the answers provided. It will also help in managing your expectations and assist in you working with your ophthalmologist and ophthalmic team to achieve the best visual outcome.
Seek a specialist
In the same way you wouldn’t employ an electrician to fix your plumbing, you wouldn’t ask a laser vision correction specialist to fix a detached retina.
The eye is one of the most complex parts of the human body, and as such within the medical field of ophthalmology there are different specialties and doctors that have particular expertise. Therefore, when you understand your required treatment, make sure that you are referred to, or electively seek, this type of ophthalmic specialist.
Verify their qualifications
In the modern age of digital research, it is easier than ever to qualify the experience of the ophthalmologist you are referred to and the consulting practice they use. This can include their study background, their CV, their LinkedIn profile, the medical memberships they belong to, their ongoing professional development requirements, research they have participated in and published, as well as the type of technologies they use and their practice philosophy.
A quick search can provide a detailed look at their background and experience, and confirm they are what you are looking for on paper.
Visit them in person
The next step we would advise is to meet them in person. Creating trust and personal connection with your medical professional is an important factor in achieving successful outcomes, and this is done best via an in-person consultation.
It is also an opportunity for them to assess your eye health, explain your ophthalmic issue, design a unique treatment plan, and detail the treatment process, recovery and expected outcomes. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have, meet their supporting team, and visit and feel comfortable in their place of practice.
Consider and compare the cost
Depending on the treatment you seek, there will be costs to consider.
Medicare or private health insurance (if you have it) may cover some of these if the treatment is referred, or in the case of elective procedures, like laser vision correction, it will be an up-front cost.
Your doctor will be able to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of your treatment and your payment options, so you can compare and make an informed decision.
Ask questions
As the saying goes, no question is a silly question, and it’s important for your peace of mind that you have the opportunity to be informed about all aspects of your treatment. Modern day medicine, doctors, and medical professionals are very approachable and want their patients to understand their treatment processes and expected outcomes. An eye doctor that provides the opportunity and encourages you to ask questions, and with whom you feel comfortable doing so, is a great fit.
Trust your own judgement
At the end of the day this is the defining decision making factor. There will be several ophthalmologists that are able to successfully provide the expertise you require, so trust your own judgement.
Our specialists
Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre has a number of leading specialist ophthalmologists with extensive experience and expertise in a variety of ophthalmic sub-specialties. In consultation with them, you will be guided through your individually tailored options, and provided advice how to best achieve your unique visual goals.
Find out more
If you are interested in finding out more about AE&LC or seek a consultaiton, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our friendly customer service team as the first step.