When looking for a new optometrist, knowing which one suits you the best can be challenging, especially if you live in an area with several options to choose from. Of course, just like you would do when choosing any provider of medical or other services, the optometrist you choose is ultimately a personal decision. However, there are some factors you should keep in mind to ensure that your eye health and vision care needs are met.
Choosing an optometrist is just as critical as selecting a family doctor. Because your eyes can provide insight into your general health and are an important part of everyday life, your choice of a good optometrist should not be taken lightly.
Here are the top four things to look for when choosing an optometrist.
1. Well trained (education + experience in the field)
An optometrist with the necessary education, training, and skills to treat various vision and eye problems is what you should be essentially looking for. Additionally, you may also want to confirm they have no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. In addition to necessary educational qualifications, an optometrist’s experience in the field is also an important factor to consider. However, although qualifications are non-negotiable, they aren’t everything. You can have an optometrist with excellent qualifications and degrees from respected institutions who can be sorely lacking in the interpersonal and communication skills that we refer to as their “bedside manner”. The best and most highly reviewed doctors seem to combine credentials with experience with excellent communication and interpersonal skills all wrapped up in an empathetic and caring individual. This is what most patients are looking for in their health care providers.
2. Access to cutting-edge equipment & technology
Over the years, the practice of optometry has gone through considerable evolution and advancement both because of clinical research as well as technological innovations and development in the eye care field. Some optometrists have embraced these changes and advanced with the times, but that is not true for all. Leading optometrists leverage the power of advanced technology to offer cutting-edge services with a higher degree of precision and efficiency. However, there are many more who haven’t caught on or kept up. Outdated models are still commonly used, and most patients find that their caliber of assessment and care does not match the level of optometrists with modern technological capabilities.
3. Works with a well-trained team of support staff who are focused on patient care
It would be wise to choose an optometrist who works with a team of caring, compassionate practitioners who employ a progressive, holistic approach to eye care and vision. They should work in an environment where friendly,well-trained, and detail-oriented individuals perform a comprehensive assessment of your ocular health. Having a unified team of professionals dedicated to putting patients first is always a massive plus. It also makes for a much more satisfying and pleasurable visit to the office,
4. Works in an environment that can provide all eye care services and products in one location
For your convenience and continuity of care, it is recommended that you opt for an optometry practice that offers all the eye care and related products in one location. This includes: accurate determination of your glasses and contact lens prescriptions, examination and evaluation of your ocular health along with explanations and education about all findings and appropriate options for treatment, and eye care related and vision correction related products.
If you’re looking for an expert optometrist in Toronto, Ontario, get in touch with View Eye Care. We deliver state-of-the-art professional vision care in a comfortable, friendly, and caring environment. Our team strives to make every aspect of each visit pleasant, efficient, and educational.
View Eye Care was founded on the principle of providing the highest level of patient education and eye care. The optometrists and staff are committed to delivering an exceptional patient experience with every interaction. Our team strives to make every aspect of each visit pleasant, efficient, and educational. Our eye doctors and staff are always easily accessible to patients for follow-up and for emergencies.
We serve patients across the GTA and surrounding areas, including North York, Mississauga, Rosedale, Forest Hill, Downtown Toronto, Yorkville, Midtown Toronto, Leaside, The Annex, Yonge–Eglinton, Bay and Bloor, Lawrence Park, Bridle Path, Leslieville, Scarborough Bluffs, and Oakville.
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