Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I see an MD ophthalmologist yearly, mainly due to dry macular degeneration. For the last 10 years, it has been routine that a "tech" does the majority of "eye chart" testing, the MD then does direct exam of eye using slit lamp , etc.
MrsM and I do not have macular degeneration, but we both refuse to see optometrists. My belief is that a MD Ophthalmologist is much better trained than an OD.
The tech always does the testing and our Doctor always does the exam. It has always been that way ever since we were children.
MrsM and I do not have macular degeneration, but we both refuse to see optometrists. My belief is that a MD Ophthalmologist is much better trained than an OD.
The tech always does the testing and our Doctor always does the exam. It has always been that way ever since we were children.
Optometrists are trained to do eye examinations and diagnose medical problems such as macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. They can also treat surface issues such as pinkeye. Ophthalmologists can do all the same things as well as do surgery, which is their primary function. Many Ophthalmology practices have Optometrists that do the eye exams and if they find something they refer them to the MDs. IMHO its not correct that an MD Ophthalmologist is better trained to do eye exams, they are both well trained and since the primary function of the Optometrist is to do eye exams, they are quite proficient at them. From my experience in the field and having a relative that was an MD, they will do exams but prefer the medical side of the field.
MrsM and I do not have macular degeneration, but we both refuse to see optometrists. My belief is that a MD Ophthalmologist is much better trained than an OD.
The tech always does the testing and our Doctor always does the exam. It has always been that way ever since we were children.
It's almost impossible to see an Ophthalmologist anymore without a referral. Mine is a very skilled eye surgeon but since I've recovered from my surgeries the only way I'll see him again without a referral is to sign up for his side business: cosmetic procedures. He makes a lot more money zapping fat and wrinkles than whatever the medicare rate card pays for cataract surgery. And good for him too. He's reinvested a lot of that money into his practice.
It's almost impossible to see an Ophthalmologist anymore without a referral. Mine is a very skilled eye surgeon but since I've recovered from my surgeries the only way I'll see him again without a referral is to sign up for his side business: cosmetic procedures. He makes a lot more money zapping fat and wrinkles than whatever the medicare rate card pays for cataract surgery. And good for him too. He's reinvested a lot of that money into his practice.
That is similar to the situation I am in.
Since the Costco guy left W and I needed a new place. The wife needed a cataract evaluation and she went to this large practice and saw the ophthalmologist. She raved about him so I went to make an appointment with him but nope-cannot see MD unless you have a medical issue. Routine exams are done by the ODs (or their techs as I have learned now).
I always get my primary care doctor to give me a referral to see my ophthalmologist since I had a lazy eye problem when I was a child which has changed as an adult into a discoordination problem between my 2 eyes (each with very different vision).
It's almost impossible to see an Ophthalmologist anymore without a referral. Mine is a very skilled eye surgeon but since I've recovered from my surgeries the only way I'll see him again without a referral is to sign up for his side business: cosmetic procedures. He makes a lot more money zapping fat and wrinkles than whatever the medicare rate card pays for cataract surgery. And good for him too. He's reinvested a lot of that money into his practice.
after having gone to a optometrist for a few yrs who i got more and more disgusted with, My primary recommended an ophthalmologist who she knew. Wasnt a referral. no forms filled out etc. My primary told me to call him up and make an appt. The MD does his own testing, doesnt push cataract surgery and told me that I did not have glaucoma like the optometrist said I did. No optometrists for me!
I feel as if the problem is choosing to go to a large practice.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
