NOAH AOC

My brother and I have OCA and go to an ophthalmologist every year.  We saw the same doctor since birth but a few years ago he retired!  Since then it has been difficult to find a new permanent doctor.  We were seen at Stanford Med Eye Clinic last year, and I called them today to make an appointment.  Well, the doctor there is specializing in certain eye conditions, so we can no longer see him.  Here we go again!!

 The receptionist said we can see another doctor, but since we wear glasses/contacts, we need to see an optometrist instead because they're the ones who do contacts/glasses.  She also said if the optometrist finds a problem, they will send us to an ophthalmologist.  However, previous doctors have told us we need to see an ophthalmologist.  The conflicting information is very stressful!  Why can't I see an ophthalmologist there and get contacts too?  Why did my doctor of 20 years have to retire?

Have any of you heard this same information as well?  Do you all see an optometrist or ophthalmologist?  Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated!

CynLikesPiano,

I see both an opthalmolgist and an Optometrist. They are both doing do different things for me. I set the opthalomlogist every six months because I ahve a strong family history of Glaucoma. So he checks my pressures every six months to make sure that they are staying normal. I also see a low vision Optometrist as well. She perscribes any low aid that I might need. 

Hi Cyn

Having OCA 2, I primarily see an opthalmologist so that he can keep track of my eye conditions and render treatment if necessary.  However, I have also gone to see an optometrist (who is also a low-vision specialist) a couple of times.  He provided me with various pieces of low-vision equipment.  The difference in my case is that my opthalmologist writes prescriptions for my eyeglasses.

 If you have medical insurance, there is a difference in how optometrists and opthalmologists are classified.  Most insurance plans cover routine eye exams and glasses/contacts for a small fee per year or per visit.  Optometrists usually cover this area.  However, opthalmologists are considered to be specialists, so your out-of-pocket costs could be higher.  They are classified the same as, say, a cardiologist, orthopeodist or some type of surgeon.

For me, there is no conflict between my eye care providers.  I can visit both of them as needed.

I hope this information has been helpful to you.

 Michael