Choosing an eye specialist can be a challenge sometimes. The majority of impressions we get from our surroundings are thanks to our ability to see and the organs responsible for that should be examined occasionally. However, everybody has specific eye problems that need to be addressed and not all medical experts are a good match. Down below, we will give you a few recommendations on how to get your hands on the right person.
Difference Between Ophthalmologists and Optometrists
The first thing that you need to figure out is which type of eye doctor you need: an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. The former is someone who is authorised to perform eye exams focused on health and vision problems as well as to correct refractive errors. With a degree in medicine coupled with additional training, totalling eight years overall, they are allowed to prescribe medication. In most cases, they are not licenced to carry out eye surgery and there are very few exceptions to this, as each country has its own regulations.
Now, an ophthalmologist is a doctor who specialises in vision and eye care. With the highest amount of training, they are permitted to diagnose patients, write prescriptions, treat diseases, and do operations. Aside from their medical degree which stretches along four years’ time, they must also enrol in a one-year internship and complete three years of residency at the very least. Then, they can choose to work in a subspecialty such as glaucoma, paediatric ophthalmology, plastic surgery, ophthalmic pathology, cornea disease, to name a few.
The difference between these two types of doctors is in the level of post-graduate training they receive and the place where it happens - optometrists normally go to officially recognised schools of optometry rather than medical establishments. If you need surgery, have recently had an eye injury, or experience sudden vision loss, you definitely need to see an ophthalmologist. If you are looking for a routine eye exam, you might want to opt for an optometrist. The same thing applies when you need to update your prescriptions for eyewear. Ask your GP or family physician to help you decide where to go.
How Do I Find the Right Eye Specialist in Singapore?
Now that we dissected the two most common eye doctor types, let us move on to finding one that is worth your while. There are various means in which you can obtain information about the specialists in your area. It is wise to resort to more than one method because this will up your chances of finding someone experienced.
1. Ask your family, co-workers, and friends.
These days eye problems are more common than they used to be, therefore quite possibly you know at least one person who wears glasses. And if they do, then they surely have seen an eye doctor in the past. Hopefully, they will be able to refer you to someone who they’ve worked with and is worth your time. Word of mouth goes a long way, doesn’t it?
2. Consult your family physician.
They will be acquainted with those eye specialists in Singapore that are reliable. What is more, your doctor is probably well aware of your medical history, which means they will be willing to recommend someone who will be a good fit for you in particular.
3. Get on social media.
A bunch of websites and applications these days can come in handy when you need to get your hands on a good doctor. You probably are a member of different communities and groups where you can ask people for recommendations straight away. Just do it and see what you can make out of the info. This way you can learn from their experience and/or mistakes.
4. Read online reviews.
Another way to go is to google what people are saying about local ophthalmologists and then pick one based on the positive feedback they got. You want to look in different places to make sure the rating is credible. A good example of that is Asia Retina an eye specialist clinic in Singapore located at #15-10 The Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238859. They offer diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions such as glaucoma, floaters, cataract, retinal degeneration, and myopia. With more than 15 years of experience under the same roof, they have the right specialists and facility to handle complex cases, plus they’ve accumulated reliable customer reviews galore.
5. What to Do After the Appointment
Sometimes it takes multiple attempts until you can find an eye specialist that is right for you. This is why after you leave the clinic, it is important to ask yourself the following questions:
- Did you feel comfortable during the check-up?
- Did the doctor answer all your questions? Was it in a way you can understand?
- Did you feel rushed the whole time or did they do a complete exam, paying attention to the things you are saying?
- Did you spend lots of time in the waiting room even though you had an appointment?
If something about that doctor is bothering you, then you may not feel encouraged to visit them every year. In that case, it is advisable to try someone else. It is important that you find a physician you like because if they make you feel good, you will be more likely to get regular check-ups.