In choosing an eye doctor Orange County residents ought to appreciate that it is one of the most important decisions as concerns healthcare. It is this doctor that will be entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding sense of sight and also assist their patients to maintain best vision for a long time. In choosing a specialist, the first very important thing to consider is that there are two main specialists in this field; ophthalmologists and optometrists.

To begin with, optometrists get their title after obtaining a Doctorate degree in optometry. In addition to examining the eyes for proper vision they also check them for any general health problems. This is coupled with their correction of refractive errors, which is done by prescribing contact lenses and eyeglasses. Further, they offer care for low vision and administer vision therapy.

An optometrist in the United States of America is licensed to offer a wide range of treatments for eye problems and diseases affecting the eyes. The state law regulates the level to which these specialists offer medical care. Except in very few cases, optometrists are not licensed or trained to carry out any surgeries. They offer care before and after surgery.

An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor, MD or DO, and is a specialist in eye and vision care. During their training, they learn to examine the eyes, offering diagnosis and treatment of diseases, prescribing medications and most importantly, performance of surgery. They are also able to write prescriptions for contact lenses and eyeglasses. As for opticians, they are not doctors but make use of already written prescriptions to fit and sell eyeglasses and contact lenses.

The process of choosing specialists should start with the family physician or doctors that have been consulted before. They are well placed to provide a range of specialists that one can consider. Even more important is the fact that they may individually talk to such specialists on behalf of their patients. Recommendations can also be gotten from friends, relatives and coworkers. They might have had similar experiences and might thus have contact with certain specialists.

The professional background of the specialists is very important and would need to be examined. Doctors that have practiced for longer have better experience than new ones, but this does not mean that new doctors should not be considered. Professional background may also be checked by considering past patients.

As much as possible, many providers should be consulted. This is one of the best ways to make a comparison on not only the services on offer but also the costs incurred. The good thing is that most such services are offered for free. One is able to make the best decision as a result.

In consideration of the services of an eye doctor Orange County residents can also benefit from vision insurance covers. The doctors chosen should be authorized providers under the vision cover. People that have no cover will be forced to pay for the services from their pockets.