Comprehensive eye care is not just for those who need eyeglasses or contact lenses. As well, everyone needs vision care and eye exams. So, it makes sense to find an eye care provider who will take excellent care of your whole family.

Many people do not understand the importance of regular eye exams. Some consider them to be an unnecessary chore. However, the best way to prevent eye conditions from developing is through early detection and treatment. If you pick the right eye care specialist, your regular visits will not seem unnecessary or annoying. 

Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining or improving your eye health. A good eye doctor can also spot other health conditions through a comprehensive eye exam. So, it is crucial to find the ideal eye care physician. However, the process can be overwhelming with so many eye doctors. The tips below should help you select the best eye doctor for your family.

Understand the Different Types of Eye Specialists

The first step to choosing the right eye doctor is to understand the different types of eye specialists. There is a difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. The former specializes in diagnosing and treating vision issues and some eye conditions. Optometrists also prescribe corrective eyewear and vision therapy and provide eye care before and after surgery. 

Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, specialize in treating eye diseases and injuries. They also perform eye surgeries like cataract removal, LASIK surgery, lens implants, and repairing retinal detachments. Ophthalmologists also perform eye exams and prescribe medications and corrective eyewear. 

If you need an eye care specialist to perform regular eye exams, you should look for a licensed and experienced optometrist. If you or a family member has an existing eye disease or condition, you want to see an ophthalmologist.

Does the Eye Doctor Work Well With Kids?

Special considerations come into play when taking children to a healthcare provider, including an eye doctor. As a parent, you know the value of finding a specialist who takes extra steps to ensure your kids feel at ease. 

Many eye doctors can detect and treat vision and eye problems in kids. However, not all take the time to explain what to expect to parents and their kids. Not all use toys and games to test for various eye conditions during the exam. So, if you are looking for an eye doctor for your family, look for one who will appeal to every family member. 

Check Your Insurance Plan

Ask your insurance provider for a list of eye care professionals covered under your plan. You will probably get a long list of eye doctors. So, you will need to narrow your options further.

Seek Recommendations

Consult your friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors to discover the eye doctors they use and like. Someone will likely recommend a few eye doctors who will accept your insurance.

Location

When you have a family, you understand the benefits of convenience. So, you want an eye doctor conveniently located to accommodate your busy schedule. The eye doctor should be a reasonable distance from your children’s school, home, or work. 

Access to Specialists

Each member of your family has different eye and vision care needs. So, the eye care center or doctor you choose should accommodate all your family’s eye care needs.

For more eye care tips, visit Eastside Eye Physicians, PC, at our St. Clair Shores or Shelby Township, Michigan office. Call (586) 774-2020 or (586) 247-2020 to schedule an appointment today.