Dry Eye

Visiting Your Eye Care Professional

Finding an Eye Care Professional

The next step is to get in contact with an eye care professional. If you don’t already have one, you can

• ask family members and friends about eye care professionals they use
• ask your family doctor for the name of a local eye care specialist
• contact a state or county association of ophthalmologists or optometrists. These groups, usually called academies or societies, may have lists of eye care professionals with specific information on specialty and experience. An ophthalmologist is an MD or DO (doctor of osteopathy) who specializes in all types of medical and surgical eye problems. An optometrist is an OD who is trained to primarily prescribe and fit lenses, but in certain states in the U.S. may also be able to prescribe certain medications or do specific surgeries.
• contact your insurance company or health plan to learn whether it has a list of eye care professionals that are covered under your plan.

Prepare for Your Eye Care Visit

Today, patients take an active role in their health care. You and your eye care professional will work together to keep your eyes healthy. An important part of this relationship is good communication. To get the most out of your visit with your eye care professional, ask questions, and continue to do so until you understand. It is also helpful to write down your questions before your visit and write down what your eye care professional says.

There are things you can bring to your visit that will help you to be more prepared. Remember to take along

• a notebook and pen to write down the responses to your questions
• glasses or contacts, if you use them
• a family member or friend to take notes, support, or to drive you home if you have your eyes dilated
• an interpreter, if you need of one
• any medications that you are currently taking.

Ask Questions

You can ask your eye care professional questions about your disease or condition, your treatment options, and your eye tests. Below are some sample questions to guide you.

Your disease or condition:

• What is my diagnosis?
• What caused my condition?
• Can my condition be treated?
• How will this condition affect my vision now and in the future?
• Should I watch for any particular symptoms or notify you if they occur?
• Should I make any lifestyle changes?

Your treatment options:

• What is the treatment for my condition?
• When will the treatment start, and how long will it last?
• What are the benefits of this treatment, and how successful is it?
• What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment?
• Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while I'm on this treatment?
• Are other treatments available?

Your eye tests:

• What kinds of tests will I have?
• What do you expect to find out from these tests?
• When will I know the results?
• Do I have to do anything special to prepare for any of the tests?
• Do these tests have any side effects or risks?
• Will I need more tests later?