There are now over 38,000 optometrists, or eye doctors, across the US. If you’re searching for a family eye doctor in Lexington, it helps to know what qualities to prioritize, though. Otherwise, you could choose an eye doctor who lacks experience in the industry.
Their lack of experience could impact your family’s ability to reach the highest quality of care.
Here are seven simple tips you can use when reviewing your eye doctor options. With these tips, you can find a licensed, qualified professional for peace of mind.
Begin your search using these seven tips today!
1. Read Reviews
Reading online reviews is an easy way to narrow down your list of eye doctor options.
Check the doctor’s office or clinic for a testimonials page. You can find reviews on their Google Business or BBB listing as well. Try to find a practice that has four out of five stars or higher.
If the eye doctor’s office only has one or two reviews, remove them from your list. Chances are, they don’t have a large client base yet. These eye doctors could lack the experience and expertise you’re searching for to ensure your family receives the best care.
If the office has a handful of negative reviews, remove them from your list of options as well. Read the complaints before discounting the doctor outright, though. What problems do the patients complain about most?
For example, perhaps the eye doctor isn’t professional. Maybe the office has long wait times. Perhaps the staff isn’t friendly or the offices don’t look clean.
Don’t choose an eye doctor who will keep you waiting. If their schedule is packed, your family could struggle to receive help promptly. Some doctors even double-book visits, leaving you in the waiting room for hours.
Instead, look for an office that already has a positive, glowing reputation. Reading reviews can give you peace of mind and help you feel confident in your choice.
Talk to other parents and families in Lexington, too. Ask if they can recommend a family eye doctor. Then, learn from their firsthand account about their most recent visit.
2. Check Their Hours and Location
As you continue narrowing down your choices, check the office’s hours and location, too.
First, make sure they’re available when you need them. For example, your child might wake up on a Saturday morning with an eye infection. Maybe you want to take them to appointments without missing school.
Look for an office that’s available six days a week for increased availability.
Next, check Google Maps to determine where the practice is located. Try to find an eye doctor near your home, work, or child’s school. Finding a nearby office can give you peace of mind if there’s ever an emergency.
3. Look for Experience and Expertise
Optometrists perform 88 million refractive eye exams each year. Meanwhile, 65% of the US population requires vision-correction products.
Look for an eye doctor who already has years of experience treating families in Lexington. Make sure their experience is relevant to your child’s needs, too. Ensuring they have relevant experience and expertise can increase their standard of care.
Make sure each eye doctor on your list has years of experience treating children as well. If they’re not a family eye doctor, continue searching. Otherwise, they might not know how to ensure your child feels comfortable during the appointment.
If your child doesn’t feel comfortable during their exam, they might not receive the eye care they need. They might not feel safe, which can make the appointment more difficult for you and your child.
Finding a doctor with experience treating kids will ensure they understand your child’s developmental needs, too.
4. Prioritize Credentials and Qualifications
As you continue narrowing your list of eye doctor options down, determine where each doctor went to school. Confirm that they graduated from an accredited institution. Also confirm that they passed their admissions test for optometry school and earned a degree.
Then, determine where they completed their residency. Determine if they have any extra certifications, licenses, or continuing education credits, too.
An optometrist who continues their education after graduating has likely remained informed about new procedures, techniques, and technologies. They won’t use outdated practices when treating your family.
5. Check Insurance and Payment Options
Consult your insurance provider to determine if each eye doctor on your list falls within your insurance network. You can also ask your insurance provider for a list of family eye doctors in Lexington.
If the doctor doesn’t fall within your network, don’t stress. Instead, call the office to determine what payment options are available. You could find a reasonable way to manage payments.
For example, they might offer care credit or flexible spending accounts as options.
6. Review Their Services
Determine what services each eye doctor provides.
For example, you’ll likely need a doctor who performs regular eye exams. Perhaps they offer contacts, vision therapy, and LASIK. Perhaps you’re concerned about retina treatments for vitreous detachment and macular degeneration.
Consider the eye problems your family has experienced in the past. Then, determine if the office offers those eye care services.
7. Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation appointment with two or three different doctors. Make a list of questions you want to ask ahead of time.
Consider scheduling an in-person visit with your child, too. Determine if your child is comfortable around the eye doctor. Is the eye doctor friendly?
Choose an eye doctor who can build a relationship with your child to ensure your child’s comfort during appointments.
Find the Best Family Eye Doctor in Lexington With These Tips Today
Finding the best family eye doctor in Lexington is easier than most people realize. Use these tips to narrow down your options. Then, choose an eye doctor with your family’s eye care in mind.
Want to simplify your entire search? We can’t wait to meet you and your family.
Schedule an appointment at the Kentucky Eye Institute today to get started.