Choosing the Right Optometrist for Your Condition

Checking eye health is not only necessary for those who have vision problems. People with healthy eyes are also advised to check the sense of sight to the eye doctor regularly. For those of you who don't have vision problems, seeing your ophthalmologist is one of the appropriate preventive steps. This aims to detect eye problems before symptoms appear. In addition, you can also find out other health problems that can have an impact on the eyes, such as diabetes.

Should You Check Eyes to Whom?

If you experience problems with vision, consult your ophthalmologist or eye health professional, according to your vision problems. Below is a guide regarding eye health experts.

• Ophthalmologist (ophthalmologist)

Ophthalmologists or ophthalmologists are specialists who specialize in eye care, eye surgery, and vision systems. They have the qualifications and competence to carry out examinations, diagnose, provide treatment, therapy, or surgery, as well as the management of complications related to eye disease. Ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat eye diseases such as glaucoma, conjunctivitis, corneal disorders, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, vision disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Not only that, ophthalmologists can also provide advice related to the prevention of injuries and diseases of the eye. In other words, optamologists can provide all types of services related to the eye as a whole, from prevention to treatment.

• Optometrist (ophthalmologist)

The second type of ophthalmologist is optometrist, or better known as an ophthalmologist. In Indonesia, ophthalmologists are diploma graduates majoring in refraction optics. The main task of an optometrist is to check the visual acuity of his patients regularly. In addition, they can also prescribe simple vision aids (glasses, contact lenses) and education to maintain eye health and vision. They also have the authority to refer patients to an ophthalmologist if they are suspected of having serious eye disease.

• Optician (optometrist)

Other eye health professionals who are not licensed by doctors are opticians. They usually work with ophthalmologists and ophthalmologists. Their presence is very important in order to provide visual aids services that suit the needs of patients. Not only that, the optician is also responsible for ordering and checking visual aids (glasses and contact lenses).

Tips for Choosing an Optometrist

Some things you need to consider before visiting an eye doctor, namely:

• Choose an experienced eye doctor

Before meeting an eye doctor, you should first find out the experience of the doctor. You can find information about the history of experience on the official website of medicine, such as the Indonesian Medical Council (KKI).

• Choose a certified eye doctor

To prevent malpractice cases, make sure the eye doctor you choose is certified by the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) and the Indonesian Ophthalmologist Association (Perdami).

• Ask for an eye doctor's recommendation from a general practitioner

If you have difficulty finding the right eye doctor, do not hesitate to ask for an eye doctor's recommendation from a friend, family, or your trusted general practitioner.

• Choose a doctor who can make you comfortable

In addition to having competence and clinical ability that is reliable, also make sure to choose an ophthalmologist who can communicate well and provide an explanation that is easy for you to receive. This is important so that you feel comfortable during consultation and undergoing eye treatment.

Keep in mind, when you want to see an eye doctor, it is advisable to first adjust the conditions suffered by the expertise of an eye doctor or ophthalmologist. This is so the treatment or care provided can be in accordance with the condition of your eyes.