Tips for Choosing the Right Optometrist

Published on April 22, 2020 ​​​​​​​

Many people agree that we rely on our eyes more than any of our other senses. Even when we use our hearing, sense of touch, taste, or smell, we tend to then fall back on our eyes to affirm the experience that we are having. This could be anything from what we are eating, to whether it is safe to cross the road. Since our eyes are so important, it is essential that we take care of them properly. One of the best ways to do this is through regular visits to an optometrist. 

Your optometrist has the training and experience needed to be able to comprehensively assess the health and condition of your eyes which enables them to detect any problems that may be developing promptly and before there is any permanent damage to your vision. They will also help to ensure that your vision is as clear and accurate as possible at every stage of your life. Most patients are advised to visit their optometrist for an eye exam every 12-24 months. So, how do you know which optometrist to choose to help you take proper care of your eyes? Here are our top tips.
 

Seek out recommendations

If you have family or friends who live locally, one of the first things you should do is ask them who their optometrist is and if they would recommend them. This is a great way to come up with a shortlist of potential professionals to work with as you know you can rely on the opinions of those who have made the recommendations. This will also significantly decrease the amount of time you need to spend researching different optometrists.
 

Find out about their qualifications and experience

All optometrists should have the relevant qualifications and licensing needed to practice and this is something that can be fairly easily checked. However, you can also enquire as to the experience your optometrist has and what they are doing to further their education and training. Ask about any supplementary courses that they have taken and if they have any specialisms. This may be important if you have very specific ocular needs.
 

Ask about their office technology

Technology is transforming the way in which medical professionals, including optometrists, carry out their examinations and perform the treatments needed to ensure that their patient’s eyes remain healthy and functioning optimally. The best optometrists are embracing these technological advances and are investing in the latest tools and techniques to ensure that they deliver the very best care to their patients. Often, the newest technologies enable optometrists to operate more safely and to the highest standards, whilst also being affordable and ensuring the care that they offer is cost-effective. Don’t be afraid to enquire with your optometrist as to what office technology they use and why.
 

Think about the practicalities of visits

Busy lifestyles mean that fitting in appointments, even fairly infrequent ones, can be quite difficult. Make sure that you choose an optometrist that has office hours that suit your daily routine and that has a location that you can easily access – whether that is walking, by public transport, or by driving. It is also worthwhile finding out if they operate an emergency/out-of-hours service, should you ever suffer an eye injury. 
 

Visit in person

The only way you can really feel confident about the optometrist you have chosen is by actually scheduling a visit to see them for yourself. All the information online may not mean anything if you arrive and you are made to feel uncomfortable by the environment or by the team working there. Your optometrist’s office should be warm, welcoming, and staffed by people who are professional, knowledgeable, and reassuring. How you feel when you visit your optometrist’s office will confirm whether you have made the right choice.

At Dau Family Eye Care we believe in the importance of delivering the highest quality eye care in a relaxed and light-hearted family environment. We welcome you to visit our office located in St. John's, FL. You may also reach us by phone at (904) 713-2020. Contact us today! See you soon!