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Zocdoc makes it easy to find an ophthalmologist in Washington, DC who accepts your insurance. Simply select your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re unsure about the plan name, here's a handy guide to help navigate.
On Zocdoc, ophthalmologists in Washington, DC have an average rating of 4.81 based on approximately 1322 reviews. In Washington, DC you can find 37 ophthalmologists with 4-stars or higher. Zocdoc collects reviews from real patients after each appointment, ensuring authentic feedback. Only patients who have booked and attended appointments may post reviews, providing trustworthy and reliable insights into patient experiences.
Yes, you can book a video visit with an ophthalmologist. There are currently no locations that offer video visits in this city. When a provider offers video visits, you will see a small video camera icon next to their profile image. Select a date and time from their available appointment slots and go through the booking process.
Ophthalmologists are medical professionals who specialize in treating eye diseases and conditions. They are licensed to practice medicine. They provide comprehensive eye care to their patients, from routine vision exams to complex surgical procedures. They complete four years of undergraduate studies and four years of medical school. Then, they complete a one-year internship and a three-year residency program in ophthalmology.
On the other hand, optometrists are healthcare professionals who focus on diagnosing and treating vision problems and eye disorders. They are not medical doctors. They do not perform surgery. They have completed four years of undergraduate studies, followed by a four-year program in optometry. They can conduct eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, diagnose and treat vision problems, and detect some eye diseases.
While both provide vision care, ophthalmologists diagnose and treat more complex and severe eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders. In contrast, optometrists focus mainly on prescribing corrective lenses and diagnosing and treating vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Ultimately, choosing between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist depends on the patient's specific needs and the nature of their eye condition or vision problem. An optometrist is excellent for routine vision exams and prescription glasses or contact lenses. Ophthalmologists are typically the better choice for more severe or complex eye problems.
Ophthalmology is a medical specialty with several subspecialties. These include:
A pediatric ophthalmologist has the skills and qualifications to treat your kid if they have difficulties with a vision screening exam, reading or learning, or require medical treatment for the eyes.
These professionals work in various areas, including pediatric hospitals, university medical centers, and extensive community hospitals. They are doctors who complete at least four years of medical school and a year of medical or surgical residency.
In addition, three additional years of residency training and one other year of pediatric ophthalmology fellowship training are also necessary.
Pediatric ophthalmologists diagnose, treat, and manage eye and vision-related disorders in children. In general, pediatric ophthalmologists perform the following services:
Maintaining your child's vision begins with a balanced diet. Many food groups contain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that aid in preserving their vision. To help improve your child's visual health, your professional ophthalmologist recommends including these six foods in their daily diet.
Concerning current lifestyle and educational system changes, children now have more eye problems. When a child's vision deteriorates, so does their academic performance.
Because of the increased emphasis on competitiveness and the progress of technology, children now spend more than four hours studying or doing homework in front of their computer screens or tablets.
According to ophthalmologists and pediatricians, a child's routine health visit should include vision screening. However, consultation with an ophthalmologist can help to determine your child's screening time. Notify the child's doctor if you observe any of the following symptoms:
Taking care of your child's eyes will help them have healthy vision for the rest of life:
Before you meet an ophthalmologist near you, prepare for the appointment to ensure you make the most of your time with them. Follow the below-mentioned guidelines:
Step 1: Documents
Gather your insurance card and photo ID card to complete the initial paperwork. Remember to carry your previous eye prescriptions for the ophthalmologist's reference.
Step 2: Symptoms
If you have experienced any new symptoms since your last visit, list them and record detailed notes about them. When did the symptoms start? How severe are they? How are they affecting your daily activities? Does anything worsen them? Preparing answers to these questions beforehand will help you effectively communicate with your ophthalmologist during the appointment.
Step 3: Medical history, family history, medications
Do you have any health conditions or allergies? Did you recently sustain an injury or undergo surgery? Do you have a family history of vision and eye problems? Your ophthalmologist needs to know all this information, so ensure you carry your medical records. Also, jot down the names and dosages of your current prescription or over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies.
Step 4: Questions
Whether you want to know how frequently you need to take an eye exam or need eye care tips, your ophthalmologist can answer these questions. Write down all your queries so that you remember to ask them during the appointment.
Step 5: Follow the rules
You must follow certain dos and don'ts to ensure your eye exam is smooth and comfortable.
Do's:
Don'ts:
In addition to these tips, call your provider's office to discuss if you need to keep anything else in mind.
If your child faces vision-related issues, consider visiting a pediatric ophthalmologist as soon as possible. The first step is to find an ophthalmologist with whom you can get appropriately prescribed medicines or treatment for your child. Choosing a qualified and friendly ophthalmologist is necessary when it's a matter of your baby.
The relationship between a patient and their provider is essential at Zocdoc. For this, Zocdoc aims to empower the patients by providing a comprehensive personal biography of the providers that includes information on their education, clinical training, experience, board certification and awards, and more. With all the necessary information in one place, you can conduct your due diligence in just a few clicks. Zocdoc's area-specific search also allows you to locate a top-rated ophthalmologist in Washington, DC.
Finally, you can select the best provider who will accept your insurance. Remember that even if you have added your insurance information on Zocdoc, you must carry your insurance card during your appointment to complete the necessary paperwork. Please contact the provider's office to confirm if you are still in doubt. For more information about insurance, go through the FAQs on our patient help center page.
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According to a CDC report, over 149,000 individuals have reported experiencing blindness or significant difficulty seeing, even with glasses. The report also states that around 46% of people aged 65 years and above with severe vision impairment reported falling in the previous year. According to the report, in Washington, during 2012-2016, cases of severe vision impairment were higher in those reporting poor health, i.e., 8%, compared to those reporting good health, i.e., 2%. Prevalence of severe vision impairment was also reported more in elementary school children (5%) than in high school and above (2%).
The Washington, DC, Department of Health provides additional information on eye care in the city. According to the department's 2019 Health Equity Report, access to eye care services is a significant issue in the city, particularly for low-income residents. The report notes that many residents need eye exams and corrective lenses insurance. There are substantial disparities in eye health outcomes based on race and income level.
The city has implemented several initiatives to improve access to eye care services and address these disparities. The city has provided free eye exams and glasses for low-income children and seniors and outreach programs to enhance awareness about the importance of regular eye exams.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Pediatrics
The Washington, D.C. Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.