Seeing an eye doctor can help one get appropriate treatment, along with tips for practicing preventive eye care. An ophthalmologist is an eye care specialist who can diagnose and treat eye diseases and offer guidance to help patients maintain their eyesight and prevent infections. The specialist is also equipped to perform surgery for dealing with vision-related conditions. If one is looking for comprehensive eye care, here are tips for finding the best ophthalmologist:

Seek referrals
One of the best ways to begin a search for an eye doctor is to speak to a primary care doctor to recommend someone from their professional network. Additionally, one can also speak to friends and family and seek details of their ophthalmologist. The key advantage of initiating the search for a specialist this way is that one can rely on the recommendation or referral and find a good doctor.

Check the doctor’s qualifications
Before finalizing a specialist, it is important to check their credentials. Securing a job in ophthalmology calls for rigorous training. Further, an ophthalmologist is allowed to practice only after they receive their state license. They should also be a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology, which has the following criteria for providing certification:

– A degree from an accredited medical school in the country
– Completion of a post-graduate clinical year in an accredited program in the country
– Completion of a 36-month residency training program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
– A valid and unrestricted medical license that states that the doctor can practice in the country

The doctor also has to take an ophthalmology exam and clear it to become a board-certified ophthalmologist. This consists of a Written Qualifying Examination, which is a 250 multiple-choice question test specifically designed to test the candidate’s deep knowledge of the subject. The candidate also has to take an oral examination. After clearing these exams, the doctors receive a time-limited certificate (lasting 10 years), which can be renewed after the period ends.

Check insurance coverage
Another important thing to verify is to know if the doctor one is considering is covered by personal health insurance. In-network doctors generally charge less than other practicing eye doctors in the area. When a doctor practices independently, they can charge any fee that they think is justifiable, and these fees vary from region to region, state to state. For example, in one state, the ophthalmologist fees can be between $73 and $109, while in another, it could be between $90 and $134. So it is important to understand out-of-pocket costs, charges per visit, and insurance coverage before finalizing a doctor. One can even consult their insurance provider and ask them for a list of doctors that are part of their network before shortlisting ophthalmologists near them.

Apart from credentials and skills, one should book a consultation with a doctor and observe their communication style. The clinic staff should also be helpful and friendly for a smoother experience in the long run. These details can help one make an informed decision when looking for an ophthalmologist.