How you prepare

There are three types of eye specialists. Which specialist you choose might be a matter of preference or will depend on the nature of your eye problem.

• Ophthalmologists. These medical doctors provide full eye care, such as performing complete eye exams, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases, and performing eye surgery.
• Optometrists. These doctors provide many of the same services as ophthalmologists, such as performing complete eye exams, evaluating your vision, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing common eye disorders and treating selected eye diseases with drugs. If you have a complex eye problem or need surgery, your optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist.
• Opticians. They fill prescriptions for eyeglasses, including assembling, fitting and selling them. Some opticians also sell contact lenses. Opticians do not provide eye health evaluations.

Bring your prescription eyewear

If you wear contact lenses or glasses, bring them to your appointment. Your eye doctor will want to make sure your prescription is the best one for you.

Other precautions

Bring sunglasses to wear after your eye exam. If your eyes are dilated during your exam, sunlight or other bright lights can cause discomfort or blurred vision. Also, consider having someone else drive you home.