Finding the right ophthalmologist is crucial to your eye health. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors with advanced training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions, particularly surgically. They handle complex eye conditions, surgical interventions, subspecialty care, and eye emergencies.
When your vision is at stake, choosing a highly skilled, trustworthy ophthalmologist who can provide comprehensive eye care and address your specific needs is essential. In this guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when selecting the best ophthalmologist near you.
1. Start with Referrals
To begin your search for a trustworthy ophthalmologist, start by asking for referrals. Your primary care doctor or optometrist can provide you with a list of reputable ophthalmologists. You can also seek recommendations from family, friends, and other healthcare professionals. Once you have a list of potential ophthalmologists, it’s time to delve deeper into their credentials and experience.
It’s very likely that you were referred to the Cornea & Laser Eye Institute for LASIK or vision correction procedures or specialty custom contact lenses, or to help treat keratoconus, cataracts, or corneal disease.
2. Research the Ophthalmologist’s Credentials
Board certification is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an ophthalmologist. This certification assures you that the doctor has undergone the necessary training, possesses the required skills, and has met the standards set by the American Board of Ophthalmology. You can verify an ophthalmologist’s credentials by visiting the American Board of Ophthalmology website or state licensing board websites. In addition to board certification in Ophthalmology, it is important to research whether your ophthalmologist has undergone additional fellowship training and board certification for their individual surgical subspecialty.
At CLEI, our doctors have impeccable credentials. Dr Steven Greenstein, MD is a graduate of Harvard Medical School’s Cornea, Refractive, and External Disease fellowship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, during which time he won a prestigious and exclusive Heed Ophthalmology Fellow Award. After graduating Albert Einstein College of Medicine, with a special distinction in clinical research, Dr. Greenstein completed a one-year pre-residency fellowship at the CLEI Center for Keratoconus. Along with Dr. Gelles and Dr. Hersh, Dr. Greenstein is the co-inventor of Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK), a surgical technique to treat Keratoconus. Dr. Greenstein is board certified in Ophthalmology and is one of the first 700 surgeons worldwide to become a board certified fellow in refractive surgery. When not in the office, Dr. Greenstein is a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers and the Team Opthamologist for the New York Jets.
3. Consider the Ophthalmologist’s Experience
Experience plays a significant role in the quality of care you receive. An experienced ophthalmologist has likely encountered a wide range of eye conditions and performed various treatments and surgeries. When researching potential ophthalmologists, inquire about their specific experience with your condition or procedure of interest. Ask how many patients they have treated with similar conditions and inquire about their outcomes and complication rates. A seasoned ophthalmologist will instill confidence and ensure that you receive the best possible care.
At CLEI, we’ve handled thousands of vision correction procedures, such as LASIK, since we opened in 1995, and have developed an unparalleled reputation for vision correction, cataract surgeries, custom contact lenses and being on the cutting edge of eye care technology.
4. Evaluate Communication Style
Effective communication is essential for any successful doctor-patient relationship. Look for an ophthalmologist who listens attentively, addresses your concerns, and explains things in a way that you can understand. During your initial consultation, observe how the ophthalmologist responds to your questions and whether they take the time to provide thorough explanations. A good ophthalmologist should make you feel comfortable and engaged throughout your interactions.
At CLEI, we pride ourselves on excellent doctor-patient communication. In addition, our team is always on hand to address any questions or concerns you may have. We do everything possible to help you understand the best path of treatment to fit your specific needs.
5. Read Patient Reviews
Reading patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by an ophthalmologist. Patients often share their experiences with appointment scheduling, office environment, and staff friendliness. Pay attention to how patients describe the doctor’s trustworthiness, time spent with patients, and their ability to answer questions. While individual reviews should not be the sole basis for your decision, they can help you gauge overall patient satisfaction.
Read–or watch–some of the incredible reviews CLEI has received from its diverse group of patients.
6. Seek Specialized Expertise
While many ophthalmologists offer general eye care services, some may specialize in specific eye conditions or procedures. If you require specialized treatment or surgery, it’s important to find an ophthalmologist with expertise in that particular area.
At the Cornea & Laser Eye Institute, our specialized expertise ensures that you receive the best possible care for your specific condition. Our team has a long history with laser vision correction. We were part of the Harvard laser laboratory, one of the places where the technology got its start. We also played a central role in the development and FDA approval of laser vision correction. We’ve been at the forefront of vision correction surgery since its inception, and we want our patients to reap the benefits of our expertise.
Today, we routinely perform a variety of laser vision correction procedures including LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, and RLE. We use advanced diagnostic techniques and the latest laser technology to take on even the most complex cases. With a team that has pioneered, researched, and developed many of these procedures, you can rest assured your vision is in capable hands.
In addition, if you have keratoconus, you can seek care from our subspecialty division, which was the first dedicated subspecialty center for keratoconus in the nation. There, we offer state-of-the-art keratoconus care, including advanced diagnostic instruments, specialty contact lenses, and specialized surgical techniques including corneal crosslinking, topography-guided PRK, and Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK).
8. Consider Traveling for Superior Service
When it comes to your vision, superior treatment is worth traveling for. If you cannot find an ophthalmologist who has the experience, specialized skills, and professionalism to address your needs, come and see us.
Thanks to our vast experience, patients routinely fly in from around the world – often staying in the Glenpointe Marriott hotel connected to our office complex – for treatment and professionalism they can’t get anywhere else. For the convenience of our out-of-town patients, our office is located within a half an hour from Newark airport and an hour from JFK, and La Guardia airports..
Conclusion
Choosing the right ophthalmologist is crucial for maintaining excellent eye health. By considering factors such as referrals, credentials, experience, communication style, patient reviews, specialized expertise, and convenience, you can make an informed decision. Remember to prioritize your comfort and trust in your ophthalmologist, as they will play a vital role in preserving your vision and overall well-being. With the right ophthalmologist by your side, you can rest assured that your eyes are in capable hands.
