FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that we get.  If your question is not answered below, please feel free to chat with us or submit a contact form.

How do I best use your website to find a top-rated optometrist in Dallas?

To find a top-rated eye doctor or optometrist in Dallas using the Top Eye Doctors Near Me directory website, you can start by entering “Dallas” in the city search bar.  You can also select a distance radius from your current location.  Once you do that you can sort results by ratings, reviews, insurance provider, etc.  Once you find the Dallas optometrist you like, click the “schedule exam” button to book an appointment.

How do I know if the Dallas optometrist I choose is taking new patients?

The majority of Dallas eye doctors listed in the Top Eye Doctors Near Me directory are accepting new patients. However, to be certain, once you find an optometrist that you like, you can click through to their website and check for this information.  You can also call the practice office directly.

How do I know if any of the optometrists in Dallas offer telemedicine or virtual visits?

When searching for optometrists in Dallas, you can filter your search within the Top Eye Doctors Near Me website by selecting the filter for telemedicine or virtual visit.  When selecting these filters, you will then see only a list of optometrists that offer these services.  Be sure to check if your insurance provider covers virtual visits or telemedicine before you schedule an appointment.

Is it possible to book a same-day appointment with an optometrist in Dallas?

Many of the Dallas optometrists found in the Top Eye Doctors Near Me directory website do accept same-day appointments. However, it does depend on availability.  You can check our website and filter your search to see which optometrists in Dallas have same-day availability.  You can also call their office directly and ask.  Keep in mind that same-day appointments may be limited, and it’s better to book an appointment in advance if possible.

Can I schedule an appointment online with an optometrist in Dallas or do I have to call?

Most of the Dallas optometrists offer the option to schedule an appointment online using their website or possibly a third-party platform.  When using this website, once you select a doctor, if you see a “schedule an eye exam” button next to their listing, you can book an appointment online.  If you don’t see a button and still want to schedule with that optometrist, you can call their office directly.

When searching for a Dallas eye doctor, where can I see their experience and qualifications?

When searching for Dallas eye doctors, you can view their experience and qualifications on their profile page.  You will find a button within the listings that reads “view profile.”  Click this button to get the information you want.  You can also visit the optometrist’s website directly and can often find this information under an “about” page.  You can also call their office directly. 

Can I browse your site for a female Dallas eye doctor or African American Dallas eye doctor?

When you search for eye doctors near me in Dallas, you can filter by many options, including gender.  Set the filters for your desired criteria, and your results will match those criteria.

How can I confirm the eye doctor in Dallas that I choose accepts my insurance?

To confirm that a specific eye doctor in Dallas accepts your insurance, you can filter your results on the Top Eye Doctors Near Me directory website to match your specific insurance carrier.  You can also visit the optometrist’s website directly or call their office for additional information.  Keep in mind that even if they accept your insurance, there could be certain limitations or exclusions so it’s best to confirm the details of your coverage before scheduling an eye exam. 

When searching for Dallas eye doctors near me, how do I determine their appointment availability?

You can view the availability of most eye doctors in Dallas by clicking on the “schedule exam” button and viewing their appointment page.  Most have an online scheduling system that will allow you to select a time slot that works for you.  You can also call their office directly and schedule an appointment. Availability varies based on patient demand.

What are the eye doctors in Dallas cancellation, rescheduling, and follow-up policies?

All of the Dallas eye doctors listed in the Top Eye Doctors Near Me directory have individual policies regarding cancellation, rescheduling, and follow-up appointments.  Typically this information can be found on the eye doctor’s website or you can call their office. Be sure to review these policies before scheduling an appointment to avoid any surprises. 

Different Types of Eye Care Professionals

Eye doctors are professionals who care for the eyes and provide treatment for vision-related issues. They are classified into various categories according to their specialties, such as optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians.

Eye care is an important part of overall health. It is important to understand the different types of eye doctors that can help provide vision services and treatments. By understanding the distinctions between these professionals, individuals can make informed decisions when selecting a professional to best meet their needs.

Eye care professionals can be divided into two broad categories: optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Optometrists diagnose eye diseases, prescribe corrective eyewear, and provide vision therapy. They are not medical doctors and cannot perform surgery or treat serious diseases of the eye.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat all eye diseases, including performing surgery. They also specialize in diagnosing systemic conditions that affect the eyes such as diabetes and hypertension.

Opticians are technicians who fill prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses from either optometrists or ophthalmologists.

Orthoptists specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of binocular vision -- how the eyes work together as a team to see properly with depth perception.

Optometric assistants are trained to perform basic vision tests like measuring visual acuity, refraction, and color blindness tests.

All of these professionals provide important services to help maintain healthy eyesight. Each of these professionals has their own unique set of skills to provide comprehensive eye care to patients.

Which Eye Doctor Should You See?

Eye health is an essential component of overall wellbeing. As such, it is important to understand the differences between the various types of eye doctors and when they are necessary. There are a variety of eye care providers, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. Each one is specialized in different areas of eye care and provides unique services to patients.

An optometrist is a doctor of optometry who provides primary vision care and can diagnose and treat many eye conditions. They specialize in examining eyes, prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses, and diagnosing diseases such as glaucoma or infections. They typically perform routine vision exams, prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, and provide advice on proper nutrition for healthy eyesight.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. They provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for eye problems that include cataracts, glaucoma, strabismus, retinal detachments, corneal transplantations, laser surgery, and other vision-related issues.

Lastly, an optician is a healthcare professional trained to design lenses for glasses or contact lenses based on the prescriptions written by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. In addition, some states allow certain opticians to perform certain treatments that would otherwise require a physician’s authorization.

Consulting with a primary physician can help determine which type of specialist is best suited for the individual's needs. Additionally, researching the credentials of any potential healthcare provider before making an appointment will ensure that the patient receives appropriate treatment from a qualified doctor.

Benefits of Seeing an Eye Doctor

The benefits of seeing an eye doctor regularly cannot be overstated. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both highly trained professionals who specialize in eye care and play an important role in maintaining good eye health and preserving vision.

One of the most important benefits of seeing an eye doctor is the early detection and treatment of eye problems. Regular eye exams can help detect eye diseases and other health problems that can affect vision, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Eye exams can also detect eye conditions that may not cause noticeable symptoms, such as glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

In addition to detecting eye problems, eye doctors can also prescribe corrective lenses to improve vision and treat a variety of eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, eye infections, and allergies. They can also provide guidance on eye health and safety, such as how to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays or workplace hazards.

Another benefit of seeing an eye doctor is the opportunity to receive personalized care and advice. Eye doctors can assess individual needs and provide tailored recommendations to improve eye health and prevent eye problems. They can also provide information on the latest treatments and technologies available for various eye conditions, helping patients make informed decisions about their eye care.

Lastly, seeing an eye doctor regularly can also improve overall quality of life. Good vision is essential for daily activities, such as driving, reading, and working, and poor vision can have a significant impact on a person's ability to perform these tasks. By addressing eye problems and improving vision, eye doctors can help patients maintain independence and improve their overall wellbeing.

Relationship Between Diabetes and Eye Health

There is no doubt that diabetes affects the health of the eyes. People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to develop blindness. Unfortunately, around 60% of diabetes patients never get eye exams. 

Because there are so many risks to the health of your eyes, you must see the eye doctor for an annual exam. Failure to keep your diabetes under control and see your doctor regularly could result in vision loss. 

How Can Diabetes Affect Eye Health? 

Diabetes is a growing problem in the United States. The American Diabetes Association estimates around 1.4 million people get diagnosed with the disease yearly. Anyone can develop diabetes, even children. 

One of the hallmarks of diabetes is increased blood glucose levels. If your body does not produce insulin or respond to it, the glucose levels in your blood can become high. 

High blood glucose levels damage the vessels throughout your body, including those in your eyes. Diabetes is a serious medical condition that needs to be taken seriously. 

Diabetic Eye Diseases 

Some eye diseases can arise because of diabetes. If you have diabetes, you must be aware of the dangers to your eye health. Stay proactive to lessen the risks of developing the following. 

Diabetic Retinopathy 

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common diabetic eye diseases. This disease is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. 

Diabetic retinopathy develops when changes occur in the blood vessels that supply the retina. Often, these changes result in leaking vessels that cause damage to the retina. 

When caught early, treatments help slow down and may even reverse some of the damage. You must see your doctor yearly to keep your eyes healthy with diabetes. 

Glaucoma 

Although anyone can develop glaucoma, even those without diabetes, you are at a greater risk of development if you have the disease. Glaucoma causes increased pressure inside the eyes that can be damaging. 

High blood glucose levels cause increasing damage to the blood vessels that supply the retina. As a result of the damaged vessels, new ones begin forming on the iris, leading to an increase in eye pressure that can cause damage. 

Macular Edema 

The macula is an essential part of the retina, allowing you to see sharply and straight. In those with diabetes, the macula is more likely to begin to swell and impact your vision.

Cataracts 

Cataracts can happen to anyone, including those who do not have diabetes. However, those with this disease are at a greater risk of developing cataracts earlier and may progress more quickly. 

Diabetes Can Cause Swelling of the Lens 

In addition to the eye diseases above, diabetes may also lead to swelling in the lens. Swelling often occurs when blood glucose levels change rapidly, altering the shape of the lens. 

You may notice blurred vision due to this lens change and swelling. When your blood glucose levels are controlled, your vision should return to normal. Before getting an eye exam for prescription lenses, ensure your glucose is controlled for better accuracy.

How Common Is Astigmatism in Dallas, Texas?

Astigmatism is a refractive error that is quite common. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports one in three people have this eye condition which causes blurriness, headaches, and eye strain.

Most people are born with astigmatism, which causes an unnatural cornea curvature. A doctor of ophthalmology can examine your eyes in a comprehensive eye examination to determine if you have astigmatism.

Did you know astigmatism runs in families? If you have it, your children will likely have it. Your parents may also have this eye condition. There is no way to prevent astigmatism, according to Harvard Medical School. Although this condition can worsen over time, most people remain stable.  

If you are diagnosed with astigmatism, your eye doctor will offer several treatment options to help you see with better clarity. The most common form of treatment for astigmatism is eyeglasses, says the American Optometric Association.

Eye doctors can treat patients with orthokeratology, which involves placing a series of rigid contact lenses that help reshape the cornea. Laser surgery is also an option, using photorefractive keratectomy.

The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends children undergo vision screenings to rule out conditions like astigmatism. Ideally, children should go through vision testing before they enter kindergarten. Your eye doctor will determine if astigmatism is present and what treatments will be most beneficial.

Sources

American Academy of Ophthalmology
Harvard Medical School
American Optometric Association
Texas Department of State Health Services

Below are additional cities we serve in the Dallas area: