According to the American Association of Ophthalmologists, there are 20,000 active ophthalmologists in the country. They specialize in various branches of patient care once they complete 12 to 14 years of education and training. Along with optometrists and opticians, they examine and treat various eye conditions using eyeglasses, lenses, or surgery. Ophthalmologists can set up a private practice, work in large hospitals, or engage in research to find better cures for eye diseases.

Different types of ophthalmologists
To become a practicing ophthalmologist, one must complete a medical degree, four years of specialty training, a three-year residency in an approved surgical residency program, and a one-year internship. During training, they learn some of the most advanced techniques like microsurgeries and laser surgery. Ophthalmologists require board certification and state licenses to start practicing independently or work in an eye clinic. They should also pass the national licensing exam, USMLE.

How to find an opthalmologist near you

• Asking for a reference from a primary physician or a family doctor is one of the simplest methods of finding an ophthalmologist.
• One can also ask for references and recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have visited or received treatment for eye issues.
• One may even visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology website and look for Board-certified doctors who are easily accessible and are close by. One can also look for ophthalmologists with specific subspecialties that one requires.
• One can contact their health insurance provider by phone or visit their official website and look for eye specialists from their provider network.
• Run a pin code and subspecialty search online to find eye doctors nearby.

Best in-demand eye specialists
An ophthalmologist specializes in complete eye care and is like a primary physician. They do routine eye exams, prescribe eyeglasses, and treat simple eye infections, refractive errors, dry eyes, cataracts, or conjunctivitis. If, during their routine examination, they suspect a patient has problems in their retina, cornea, or optic nerve, they refer them to specialists. Some of the specialists who treat eye-related diseases include:

• Cornea specialists treat diseases of the cornea and can perform refractive surgery and corneal transplant surgery.
• Glaucoma specialists diagnose, manage, and treat glaucoma through prescription treatments, laser, or surgery. It takes many years between diagnosis and surgery, and they monitor the eye health of their patients for many years.
• Neuroophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye and vision problems due to problems with nerves and muscles. They treat eye diseases like vision loss, abnormal eye movements, squint, double vision, and optic nerve-related eye disorders.
• Oculoplastic surgeons perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for those who want to improve their appearance and for those who have suffered traumatic injuries to the eye.
• Pediatric specialists are trained and experienced specialists who treat eye and vision problems like refractive errors, squint eyes, or cross-eyes that are common in infants and children.
• Retina specialists treat eye diseases like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Tips for choosing the best eye clinics in the U.S
When looking for an eye clinic, one of the first things to consider is if they have board-certified specialists for the condition that requires treatment. Ensure that the clinic is from the insurance provider’s network, as eye treatment is expensive, and some treatments may need long-term care and follow-up. Search online for reviews, understand their track record success rates, and understand if they use the latest technology and devices that have simplified treatment.
Since eye treatments require multiple visits, they should be accessible and not too far from one’s residence. One must also consider the following:

Check the ophthalmologist’s qualifications and credentials
All leading eye clinics will have a website, and one can check if they have the required qualifications and board certification. On the American Board of Ophthalmology website, one can also verify whether a specific opthalmologist is board-certified.

Ask for referrals
One must get a referral list from one’s optometrist or primary care professional. Also, one must get references and reviews online and ask friends, family, or colleagues for opinions.

Technology and infrastructural capability
Eye examinations and surgery require complex, technology-driven, precision devices and instruments. One must enquire if the clinics have the latest eye exams and surgery facilities to ensure they receive the best and most advanced treatment.

Availability of multi-specialty eye departments
Look for a clinic that can both provide primary eye exams and have specialists that one may need to consult in case of a problem. It makes it easier for patients to have all specialties under one roof, so there is no need to visit multiple facilities back and forth.

Quality of service
One can verify if the eye clinic participates in one’s insurance network. Talk to the clinic staff about their post-surgery care, and if they schedule follow-ups in advance, send alerts and reminders so there is no risk of missing an appointment.