Undoubtedly, early detection of any eye condition is you most powerful tool in protecting and preserving your vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmologists recommends eye exams every two to four years for people aged 40-64. People 65 and over should visit their eye doctor every one to two years.

Visits to any eye professional will be the most productive if you:

• Connect with the best doctor for your situation
• Prepare for your appointment

Ophthalmologist? Optician? Who should I see?

In your search for appropriate eye care, you will find several types of professionals equipped with skills to assist you. The education and expertise of each specialist varies, making it important to seek the professional who best meets your needs.

• Ophthalmologists are medical doctors trained to diagnose and treat eye conditions. Treatments prescribed by these doctors can include both medicine and surgery. Ophthalmologists may also examine eyes for corrective lenses.
• Optometrists are doctors who examine eyes in order to fit corrective lenses. Optometrists also screen for common eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
• Opticians are technicians who are trained to make and fit the corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
• Low Vision Specialists are ophthalmologists or optometrists who conduct a special low vision eye exam, assess how low vision impacts daily life, and make recommendations for helpful products. If your vision is not completely correctable, you should ask for a referral to a Low Vision Specialist.

If you are wondering which of these specialists to see, first discuss it with your primary care doctor. Your doctor can make a referral to the appropriate eye specialist based on your needs.

Preparing for your appointment

If you’re like most of us, the questions you’d like to discuss with your doctor only occur to you after your appointment. To keep you on track, write down a list of questions. Other helpful tips include:

• Bring a list of any unusual signs or symptoms you’ve noticed in your vision
• Have someone else come along to your appointment to help you remember what the doctor said
• Tape record your conversation to review again on your own
• Ask your doctor to write down any instructions
• Request literature about your condition
• If the doctor says, “Nothing else can be done for your vision” ask about vision rehabilitation programs in your area
• Ask questions to other members of the health care team, such as nurses or pharmacists