|
|
|
|
Selecting A Doctor
|
|
|
Warren Hill, M.D.
Patient Information
Selecting the "Right" Doctor
|
For Your Appointment, Call: 480.981.6111 |
|
How to Select Your Eye Doctor
|
People who have an eye problem often want to find the "best" eye doctor
or surgeon. There are many different opinions about what this means, but the
bottom line is this:
The best doctor for you is one who is most qualified to treat your condition
and with whom you feel confident and comfortable.
Since there is no official "rating" system
for physicians. For the most part, it's up to you to learn about the
person in whom you are considering placing your trust. With that in mind, here
are a few common FAQS to consider:
What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a physician, a medical doctor (M.D.). This is someone who
specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and other related
conditions. Ophthalmologists also can provide routine vision care services
such as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses.
The training required to become
an ophthalmologist is long and strenuous. It includes at least four years of
medical school (after at least four years of undergraduate college); a one-year
internship in general medicine, usually at a hospital; and a three-year residency
in ophthalmology at an accredited teaching program. Plus, many ophthalmologists
choose to complete one or two additional years of training in a fellowship, concentrating
on a particular aspect of medical or surgical eye care.
What does "Board Certified" mean?
Board certification means that an ophthalmologist has taken and passed rigorous
examinations that cover all aspects of medical and surgical eye care. These examinations
are completely voluntary. An ophthalmologist does not have to be board-certified
to practice. The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) is the main certifying
body for ophthalmologists in the United States. Medical specialty boards - including
the ABO are accredited by an 'umbrella' organization that sets standards
for certifying physicians.
What does "Subspecialist" mean?
For most eye problems, a general ophthalmologist provides comprehensive care.
By definition, all ophthalmologists 'specialize' in treatment of eye problems,
however, some choose to concentrate even further in a more specific area. This
is typically done after tehy complete a fellowship training program. Some sub-specialists
focus on treatment of a particular disease, such as glaucoma, or in a specific
part of the eye like the retina or the cornea, or in a particular field such
as pediatric care.
Other Eye Health Care Providers:
There are many other eye care professionals, such as optometrists and
opticians. They are trained and authorized to provide certain aspects of eye
care.
Optometrists generally provide
routine vision care services, prescribe eyeglasses and fit contact lenses. In
Arizona, as in some other states, optometrists may be legislatively permitted
to treat certain eye diseases, although they are not medical doctors and may
not perform surgery.
Opticians dispense eyeglasses, but do not perform eye exams or treat any eye diseases. At the present time, opticians are not required to be licensed in Arizona.
If you would like further information, please feel free to call our office.
|
|
|
|
