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Zocdoc makes it easy to find an optometrist in San Diego, CA 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, optometrists in San Diego, CA have an average rating of 4.93 based on approximately 796 reviews. In San Diego, CA you can find 60 optometrists 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 optometrist. 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.
While optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians are all experts in eye care, they differ in the training they receive and the services they provide. Ophthalmologists complete a medical program and undergo residency training in ophthalmology. This hands-on training equips them to diagnose and manage eye diseases and perform surgery for all eye conditions. The 4-7 year residency program generally follows a one-year internship. Ophthalmologists can offer services such as:
Opticians are not eye doctors. They get a one or two-year degree, diploma, or certification to fill prescriptions for visual aids. Their services include:
Optometrists are primary care providers for eye health. Unlike an ophthalmologist, an optometrist does not specialize in surgery and can only help with limited eye conditions.
They provide services such as:
Optometrists may perform minor surgeries in some states. These surgeries include foreign body removal and laser eye surgery.
Choosing an eye doctor near you depends on your needs. Visit an ophthalmologist if you need medical or surgical treatment for severe eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. An optician can help you fill or adjust prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Becoming an optometrist requires completing a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program, typically following a bachelor's degree. Although no specific undergraduate major is necessary, most candidates pursue a science-focused degree to prepare for optometry school.
The four-year O.D. program covers extensive coursework in eye anatomy, ocular diseases, pharmacology, and the physics of vision. In the final year, students engage in clinical rounds, meeting patients, performing eye exams, diagnosing conditions, and recommending treatments.
After earning the O.D. degree, graduates may pursue a residency, though it is optional. Residencies, which typically last one year, enable optometrists to specialize in fields such as pediatric optometry, ocular disease, or low-vision rehabilitation.
To practice, optometrists must obtain a state license. This licensure process generally involves passing the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam and fulfilling any specific state requirements. Some optometrists may also choose to complete a fellowship for further clinical training or specialization in areas such as advanced ocular care or specific patient populations.
Optometry schools in the U.S. are primarily postgraduate programs, meaning applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or, at minimum, complete prerequisite courses in science and mathematics. Additionally, students must perform well on exams like the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), MCAT, GRE, or similar assessments to be considered for admission.
Upon completing the O.D. program and meeting licensing requirements, optometrists are fully qualified to examine, diagnose, and treat patients and prescribe corrective lenses and medications.
Even if you don't wear contact lenses or glasses, taking care of your eyes is critical. It aids in the detection of eye disorders and the preservation of vision. If you wear corrective lenses or are unsure whether you need contacts or glasses, you should see an optometrist. You should get regular eye exams even if you have a family history of vision loss or eye problems. Avoiding any chronic illness that puts you at a higher risk of developing eye disease is not advisable. It would be best to see an optometrist or any eye doctor near you if you have the following symptoms:
The following are the subspecialties within optometry:
Your age usually determines the frequency with which you should have your eyes examined:
If you use glasses, wear contacts, or require visual help, you may need to have your eyes tested more frequently. You can consult an eye doctor near you to see how often your case involves eye exams.
Optometrists take your overall health history and any vision problems you may be experiencing. They may also inquire about any family history of vision problems. Here's what to expect at your optometrist visit:
There are certain things you can do for optimal eye health:
Is there a history of vision problems in your family? Are you looking for an optometrist to treat eye problems? Do you need help with your vision? Whatever the reason, Zocdoc can assist you in finding top-rated optometrists near you.
Create a free account on Zocdoc, type your conditions, date, and insurance plan, and click on find. A complete list of optometrists will appear based on your search criteria. If you need more clarification about your insurance plan, head to Zocdoc's insurance checker.
To find an optometrist who accepts your insurance, simply enter your insurance details (including your specific coverage and provider) when searching on Zocdoc. This process will filter the results to show in-network providers that accept your plan. For more guidance or questions about insurance, visit Zocdoc’s patient help center, where you can find additional information and solutions to all your potential queries.
You can also search for the real-time availability of optometrists and make an appointment online.
Each optometrist on Zocdoc has a profile, including a brief introduction, education qualifications, and office locations. You can book in-person and online appointments through Zocdoc with an eye doctor near you. Check for the purple video icon on these profiles or filter your search results to show optometrists who offer video visits.
You can also read verified patient reviews and book an appointment with the top-rated optometrists in San Diego. All the bookings are free, safe, and secure on Zocdoc.
The American Foundation for the Blind reports that in 2019, nearly 747,867 people in California had vision problems, with 342,612 men and 405,255 women. Around 8,344 children between the ages of 5 and 41,089 between the ages of 5 and 17 have had vision problems. About 96,956 adults between 18 and 34 years also had vision problems. In 2019, around 212,358 people aged 75 and up experienced vision problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS 2017) reported vision loss in roughly 0.72% of adults aged 18-24 years, 1.01% of adults aged 30-34 years, and 20.35% of adults above 85 years.
In 2017, the prevalence of blindness in Californians aged 85 years and older was 4.54%. More than 760,000 persons reported blindness or significant difficulties seeing even with glasses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's The Impact of Vision Impairment study for California as of August 2021. In California, about 17% of people with diabetes, 27% with arthritis, and 36% with mobility difficulties have severe vision impairment. Severe vision impairment affects 59% of people aged 65 and up. According to the same study, vision impairment affected 1.2-1.8% of people in San Diego.
As of May 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported around 6,730 optometrists in California.
American Foundation for the Blind
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[3]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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.