Have you noticed a change in your vision? Are you having headaches and eye strain? Are you noticing that the world looks hazy or you are squinting to see the computer screen or your favorite book? It is probably time for an eye exam. Skip the high volume eye care centers you see at the mall; these are great for finding opticians to fill the prescription written by an optometrist and sell your eyewear but not so great for eye exams and health care. Find the best eye care by considering one of the best Wilmington optometrists such as Live Oak Ophthalmology in Wilmington, NC.
What Is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry (OD) who has completed a four-year college science degree and four years of post-graduate training in optometry. She provides eye exams and health screenings, prescribes for eyeglasses and contact lenses, prescribes medications to treat eye disease and eye problems, and can even provide vision therapy and low vision care. If you have no serious eye health diseases, a good Wilmington optometrist is your best bet for eye care. However, if you want or need eye surgery, an ophthalmologist is the provider to seek.
When Do I Need an Ophthalmologist?
If you require one of the few procedures beyond an optometrist, such as eye surgery, or if you have a medical eye problem, such as glaucoma or cataracts, your optometrist will refer you on to an ophthalmologist which is an MD or DO specializing in eye and vision care. Co-management is common between these specialties with the optometrist providing pre- and post-operative care even when an ophthalmologist performs eye surgery.
What to Consider
There are many things to consider when finding a quality Wilmington optometrist with good working relationships with an ophthalmologist. Ask your primary care provider, friends, family members and coworkers for their experiences with local providers. Your social circle is likely to have experience with good and bad optometrists and can give you great referrals. Consider the optometrist's professional affiliations and memberships, such as with the American Optometric Association which allows you to sort Wilmington optometrists by their subspecialty, credentials, and experience.
Financing Eye Care With a Wilmington Optometrist
Cost is a valid concern when choosing an optometrist, but we discourage you from starting there. Get a list of optometrists from your social circle first and then investigate cost. That way, you will only look into offices that others have had a positive experience with. If you do not have vision insurance or if your vision insurance only covers complications, call the Wilmington optometrists on your list and ask what out-of-pocket fees will be for routine exams and special testing.
If you have insurance coverage for routine eye care, you are lucky. Call your insurance provider or check on their website to see which Wilmington optometrists are authorized under your plan. Alternatively, you can call the optometrists office and provide your insurance information. They can check on coverage for you and let you know what fees will be your responsibility. Keep in mind that some insurance plans, such as Medicare, offer vision coverage but only for complications and routine care may still be at your cost.
Contact Us
Call Live Oak Ophthalmology in Wilmington, NC to see how we can offer you comprehensive eye health care with two licensed ophthalmologists in the practice. We will be happy to set up an initial consultation with you. Your eyes are your windows to the world. Care for them well.
