Selecting an eye specialist is just as important as choosing a general physician. Your lifestyle can change when your vision changes. Since your eyes are an essential part of your daily life, your options for finding a reliable eye specialist in Singapore must not be taken lightly. To find the right doctor, you can start by researching about the types of eye care professionals:
There are 2 types of eye care professionals – optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Optometrists are responsible for detecting eye diseases, but do not perform surgery on the eyes. They also carry out degree checks and many diagnostic tests such as colour vision and visual field testing. For a person to become an optometrist, he or she needs to undergo years of study. Upon graduation, they may choose to further their studies or join the workforce.
Ophthalmologists are trained to treat all types of eye diseases, prescribe medications, and can also perform surgery on the eyes. In order for one to become an ophthalmologist, he or she must complete college, and spend four years in a medical school. After this he or she should also spend 4 more years in a residency program. After their residency period, there are ophthalmologists who still spend up to several more years if they are eager to specialize in a particular type of ophthalmology.
In the medical-surgical specialty of ophthalmology, there are certain subspecialists who have advanced training as well as knowledge regarding specific parts of the eye, which include the cornea, the retina, or optic nerve. Some subspecialists focus on eye diseases, like glaucoma or cataracts. Retinal specialists treat macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. There are also ophthalmologists who are experts when it comes to ocular oncology or cancers affecting the eye, as well as glaucoma genetics.
Often a highly specialized eye specialist also does research, and is affiliated with major medical centers and eye treatment facilities. If someone is diagnosed with a rare, aggressive, or a highly specialized eye condition that needs ongoing treatment, or if someone is interested in participating in a clinical trial, then an eye specialist is needed. You may seek these eye specialists for consultations or for second opinions. They can even share in your care with the help of your regular eye doctor.
How to choose which eye specialist is right for you?
Always consider the type of care needed for your eye when selecting a new specialist. If you need a general eye examination, you can either go to an ophthalmologist or an optometrist to get these services. But if you have a specific eye disease that you want to be checked, be sure to consider an ophthalmologist to get an ongoing care. As for the fitting of contact lenses or educating you on your options when it comes to prescription glasses or contact lenses, an optometrist is the right option.
You might also want to consider the availability of your eye specialist for check ups. Does your optometrist offer night or weekend hours to accommodate their patients?
If you are still looking for an eye specialist in Singapore, be sure to visit Atlas Eye. Go to their website now for more details about their offered services.
