One of the most common searches for people who need glasses, vision correction, or eye care is “eye glasses near me specialist,” or something to that effect. How do you know you’re getting the best care when you need to visit an eye doctor? There are a few ways to narrow down your search and find the best specialist locally.

Know the difference

When you search for eye glasses near me or eye specialist near me, there are many doctors for you to choose from. But, not all are equally qualified. Here are the three primary categories

• Optician
• Optometrist
• Ophthalmologist

Aren’t they all the same? No! An optician isn’t a doctor. They’re specialists who can fit your prescription for glasses or other corrective eyewear. An optometrist is a licensed physician. They can diagnose, treat, and also prescribe (glasses or vision correction). An ophthalmologist is a specialized physician. They have undergone additional training in eye disease as well as anatomy and physiology.

Where do you go for glasses?

It depends on your needs. If you just need to fill a prescription and have a doctor’s prescription, an optician is the best option. They’re probably the most affordable and are licensed to fill your glasses prescription.

For those who need an eye exam first, an optometrist is probably the best bet. Since they’re licensed doctors, they can prescribe and diagnose any conditions you might suffer from.

And, if you need special corrective vision care or possibly surgical improvements, an ophthalmologist is the place to go. Depending on the severity of the condition and the type of care you’ll ultimately require, these are the right specialists for you to visit.

Who’s the best locally?

Now that you know the difference between local specialists, it’s important to compare local offices. Make sure to

• Use Google and online reviews to compare specialists
• Understand their treatment plans and in-office care
• Know the pricing/what they offer
• Find a specialist that can fill your prescription promptly

Every patient will have something a little different or require a different type of treatment when they need new glasses. Depending on the type of care you require, the specialist you’re going to visit will differ in each case. Therefore, knowing the difference is the first place to begin the search. From there, you can narrow down the options to find the leading specialist in your area for your treatment and care needs.