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Zocdoc makes it easy to find an optometrist in Tampa, FL 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 Tampa, FL have an average rating of 4.84 based on approximately 117 reviews. In Tampa, FL you can find 14 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.
Optometrists are medical professionals who look after primary vision health. They aren't doctors who cannot perform surgical procedures but are licensed to practice optometry. They can write prescription glasses and contact lenses, give eye exams, and treat certain eye-related disorders. Optometrists receive their optometry degree after completing four years in optometry school. Once they complete their optometry course, they must pass the optometry exams conducted by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry for their license to practice optometry. Optometrists can also go for specialty fellowships or additional clinical training.
Some of the common reasons why we might need optometrists are:
All three healthcare professionals- ophthalmologists or eye doctors, opticians, and optometrists- offer vision care services and play a role in maintaining eye health. However, each healthcare professional's education, training, and scope of practice differ.
An ophthalmologist is a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or osteopathic doctor (D.O.) who completes nearly 12 to 13 years of advanced medical training. This allows them to prescribe medication, perform eye surgery, and treat a broader range of eye conditions as opposed to optometrists and opticians. They get training to treat and manage acute, complex, and emergency eye problems. Some ophthalmologists choose to specialize further in a specific medical subject or surgical eye care. These subspecialties include- strabismus/pediatric ophthalmology, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, retina surgery, anterior segment/cornea, oculoplastic surgery, and ocular oncology.
On the other hand, optometrists obtain a doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree after completing 2 to 4 years of college education, followed by four years of optometry school. They practice optometry and provide primary vision care, which involves vision testing, detecting abnormalities in the eye, and providing correction and treatment. Optometrists in some states in the U.S. are allowed to dispense medication.
Opticians are technicians trained to understand prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists. They use those prescriptions to design and fit frames, eyeglass lenses, contact lenses, and other devices needed to correct eyesight. Unlike optometrists and ophthalmologists who offer comprehensive eye exams, opticians do not test vision or write prescriptions for visual correction. These healthcare professionals are not licensed to diagnose or treat eye diseases. You may also find that optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists work together in the same clinic and are provided assistance by ophthalmic medical technicians for specific tests and surgeries.
The type of eye specialist you need to choose depends on your symptoms and the services you need. Primary care generally begins with an optometrist, who you may need to see often for a routine eye exam. Optometrists perform dilated eye exams, vision screenings, and minor procedures. If your optometrist finds you have a more serious vision problem, they will refer you to an eye doctor or ophthalmologist. An optometrist may also diagnose other health conditions that affect your vision, such as diabetes. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe eye medications or advise surgery for complex eye conditions. They also offer post-surgical eye assessments and care.
In case of eye injuries or emergencies like a cut or torn eyelid, sudden loss of vision, unusual pupil shape or size, stuck particles in the eyes, or intense eye pain, visit an eye doctor near you or seek emergency medical care immediately. Ensure you do not attempt to treat such injuries alone, as improper care can lead to further damage or even permanent vision loss.
If you are still unsure which eye specialist to see, consult your primary care doctor or a general practitioner.
Optometrists can help you with primary eye care and treat certain eye disorders. You should visit an optometrist or an eye doctor near you if you are facing any of the following conditions:
Our eyes are sensitive and one of the most important sensory organs that help us perceive our surroundings and live healthy lives. Therefore, taking care of our vision health and identifying symptoms at the right time is very important to prevent anything severe from happening with our eyes. The only signs one should always pay attention to and immediately consult an optometrist about are eye pain, blurred vision, red and irritated eyes, floaters, dry eyes, and light flashes.
Optometrists want to know about your medical history and vision problems to identify and diagnose your eye conditions. Along with it, they will also prescribe or perform different eye exams to test the functionality of the eyes. Some of those tests are:
Since the pandemic started, the world has become more digital, especially for school-going children, as phones and laptops have replaced textbooks. Screen time has substantially increased for office-goers who have started working from home. Our phones and laptops have almost become our extended body parts, resulting in several eye-related disorders due to extended exposure to screen radiation. Therefore, regular eye exams have become more critical than ever. There are mainly three kinds of eye care practitioners: ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians.
If you work from home, you may spend more time staring at screens than if you went into an office, which can impact your eyesight in several ways. First, you may be more likely to develop computer vision syndrome or CVS. This condition can cause eye strain, headaches, and even nausea. Eye health is crucial for overall well-being. Thus, people need to take the necessary precautions to protect their eyesight. Here are a few essential tips to help you maintain eye health while working from home:
Eye-related abnormalities and disorders can affect a person's quality of life and day-to-day functions in a significant way. Apart from visiting an eye doctor near you for routine checkups, it is also imperative to receive immediate care during emergencies, as injuries often lead to permanent vision loss.
Zocdoc connects you with the top-rated optometrists in your area and provides a secure and hassle-free way to book appointments. Zocdoc has certified specialists with adequate experience to provide the best treatments for your condition.
It also allows you to access crucial information about optometrists, like their educational background, certification, and experience in the field. Along with all this information, you can also access the public ratings and reviews of the specialists that'll help you form an informed opinion about the specialists.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, 4.2 million Americans aged 40 years and older suffered irreversible vision impairment in the year 2012, out of which 1.02 million are blind. As per the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports, around 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries requiring daily medical treatment. The economic impacts of vision loss are high, and it has been reported to be around USD 145 million in 2012.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Academy of Ophthalmology[1]
American Academy of Ophthalmology[2]
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus
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.