Susan Sloan, Optometrist is a primary health care professional for the eye. Optometrists examine eyes. They treat vision problems. They diagnose, manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system. They prescribe contact lenses or eyeglasses, rehabilitation programs, or vision therapy. And they recommend proper eye care.

However, choosing the right optometrist is hard. Here are 10 factors to look for when choosing the right optometrist.

1. The Reputation of the Optometrist

You must know the reputation of the optometrist before choosing one. You are looking for a reputable eye doctor. To know the reputation of the optometrists near, check if they have complaints.

Reputable optometrists rarely get complaints. However, if they get a complaint, they resolve that complaint immediately. So, choose an optometrist that does not have complaints.

2. Optometrist Availability

As a busy person, look for an optometrist who is available in the evening or over the weekends. However, it is hard to find an eye doctor with evening and weekend appointments. But some optometrists can work you into their schedule.

That is why you need to look for the right optometrist before you actually need one. Because most high-quality eye doctors are always booked. Most people book them in advance. So, book an optometrist 2-3 weeks in advance.

3. The Optometrist’s Credentials

Do not joke with your eyes. Because they are a fragile part of your body. Therefore, verify the optometrist’s credentials before choosing one. Optometrists must complete four years of undergraduate college and a compulsory four-year Doctor of Optometry.

Do not choose an optometrist who has a history of disciplinary actions or malpractice. You can easily access the optometrist’s optometry school, training, certifications, malpractice and disciplinary records on state websites.

4. Optometrist’s Experience

The experience of the eye doctor matters. Some eye conditions can affect your vision. To have better results, choose an optometrist with more experience with your procedure or condition. Once you know your condition, look for an optometrist who has successfully treated patients with the same condition in the past.

5. Affordability

Do not skip eye exams. However, you need to check in advance before booking an eye doctor. Ask several optometrists for their charges. Make sure there are no hidden costs. Then, select an affordable eye doctor who performs every test with utter perfection. Compare the costs plans of different optometrists. Then, choose the one that suits your budget.

6. The Technology Used

Some eye doctors still use old equipment, which is outdated. Do not choose them. Look for an optometrist who uses the latest technology and better eye testing equipment. Why? Because the new equipment produces accurate results. And it takes a few minutes to get these results.

7. Communication Style

Communication is important when it comes to your treatment. So, choose an eye doctor you are comfortable talking to. A good optometrist is comfortable with their potential patients. And they provide their patients with the information they need. Choose an optometrist who respects you and is interested in treating you.

8. Patient’s Reviews

Do not just rely on your own research. Some websites have reviews of eye doctors. These reviews were written by previous patients of these doctors. You can learn more about these optometrists by reading their reviews. The best eye doctors get a lot of good reviews. Choose one of these eye doctors.

9. Insurance Plan

Contact your insurance provider. Why? Because there are optometrists that are covered under your plant. When you contact your insurance provider, they will give you a list of these eye doctors. You can choose an eye doctor from that list. Make sure the doctor has a good reputation.

10. Check out their office

Last, but not least, visit the offices of the optometrists you want to hire. Talk to the people working in that office. You may spend several hours in that office. So, you need to make sure you will spend this time with friendly people who are ready to help you. Make sure the office is clean all the time.

If you feel rushed or if the staff is rude to you, do not select an office. It is much better to look for another eye doctor who has the best employees. Ask these workers questions? Because you want to know if they are knowledgeable and can help you when you have a problem.

These are the factors to look for when choosing the right optometrist. Do not rush to choose an eye doctor. Do proper research, especially if you are looking for an eye doctor for the first time. Choose an optometrist who has several years of experience, has a good reputation, works in a clean office, and has affordable charges.