How to choose an eye doctor in Rochester Hills (and what OD, MD and optician actually mean)
Three kinds of eye professionals, one confusing set of titles. Here's who to see for what, and the questions worth asking.
Search "eye doctor Rochester Hills" and you'll get optometrists, ophthalmologists, optical chains and a few places that are really just eyeglass stores. They aren't interchangeable. Here is how to sort them out.
The three O's
Optometrist (OD). A doctor of optometry completes four years of optometry school after college. Optometrists perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and diagnose and manage eye conditions such as dry eye, glaucoma, infections and diabetic eye changes, including prescribing medications. This is your primary eye doctor, the one you see every year. Dr. David Dolan at 20/20 Vision is an optometrist.
Ophthalmologist (MD or DO). A medical doctor who specializes in eye surgery: cataracts, LASIK, retinal procedures, complex disease. You typically see one on referral from your optometrist when something needs surgical care.
Optician. Not a doctor, but a skilled specialist in fitting and dispensing eyewear: reading a prescription, choosing lens designs, measuring your face, adjusting frames. A good optician is the difference between glasses that work and glasses that live in a drawer. Ours are David and Sandra.
What to look for
- Will you see the same doctor each time? At chains, the doctor often rotates or works for a separate company inside the store. Continuity matters, because eye disease is spotted by comparing this year to last.
- How long is the exam? A thorough comprehensive exam takes half an hour or more. Fifteen-minute slots mean something is being skipped.
- Do they explain? You should leave knowing what your numbers mean and what, if anything, to watch.
- Do they take your insurance? Ask by name. We're in-network with VSP and work with most major plans.
- Who fits the glasses? Ask whether trained opticians do the fitting and adjustments, and whether adjustments are free afterward. (Ours are.)
- What do the reviews say about the people? Reviews that mention names, patience with kids, and honest frame advice tell you more than star counts.
Do you need an ophthalmologist?
Usually not as a first stop. Start with an optometrist for your annual exam; if you need cataract surgery, LASIK or specialist care, a good optometrist refers you to a trusted surgeon and manages your care before and after. That's how we handle it at 20/20 Vision.
Serving Rochester Hills and the neighbors
We see patients from Rochester, Oakland Township, Auburn Hills, Troy, Lake Orion and Shelby Township at 3110 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills. To make an appointment, call (248) 375-0040.
20/20 Vision is an independent optometry practice and designer eyewear boutique at 3110 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, serving Rochester Hills, Rochester, Oakland Township, Auburn Hills and Troy since 1980. Eye exams with Dr. David Dolan, OD. In-network with VSP.