PSA about Optometrist Places

Just wanted to let you guys know about my experience...

Over a year ago, my seven year old DD was complaining about her eyes... That the words on the page were blurry, or would move around, or be double. Our insurance only covered 2 pediatric ophthamologists on LI, both quite a hike from my house. But, we get yearly eye exams at any Davis Vision for free, so I took her there. They did an eye exam and told me she was far sighted. We got glasses from there and she's been using them for reading ever since. It was better at first but gradually she started complaining about the same issues again, and complaining about headaches all the time. I finally made her an appointment with a pediatric opthamologist and we went this past week.

It turns out the glasses they gave us have no prescription in them Just a very slight magnification. VERY slight, but enough to give her a headache. She is not far sighted at all. Her vision is 20/20... Her reading issues are coming from her dyslexia, which is something I spoke to Davis Vision about when I was there. The ophthalmologist spent almost an hour with me discussing strategies for managing her dyslexia from a vision standpoint, which was incredibly helpful.

Now, the real kicker... upon examining her eyes, the doctor realized that more testing was needed because my DD has some of the early indicators of glaucoma. I have a family history of it, which I also told the lady at Davis Vision, who said DD was too young to have her eyes dilated. My DD is going to have to see the doctor every 6-12 months to be followed because she has several of the indicators. That disease is called the "sneak thief of sight" because it comes on so gradually you don't even realize you are going blind until you are actually blind.

THANK GOD I took her to a real eye doctor. I can't imagine what could have happened. I can't stress enough, take your DC to a pediatric opthamologist if they are having any trouble with their eyes, just to be safe!!

PSA about Optometrist Places

Amen! I'm so glad you took your DD! I hope it all works out..we started taking DD because we thought her eyes were coming in and crossing...she's had her eyes dilated twice and she's 2.5! Best to you and your DD going forward!

Re: PSA about Optometrist Places

Wow that's crazy. I'm so glad you caught it now!!!!

PSA about Optometrist Places

I had a bad experience at a place like that once. I refuse to go back. Good thing you caught it now! DS is now 3 and has had his eyes dialated since he was just over a year old.

PSA about Optometrist Places

I think it depends upon which one you go to and which doctor you get. We go to Davis and the doctor we see (DS included) was chief of pediatric opthamology at hospital (or something along those lines). He was very thorough and checked for everything. Sorry you had a bad experience.

Re: PSA about Optometrist Places

Random question:

DH and I don't wear glasses so I honestly don't know, but I have known a few people to work in those eyeglass stores who certainly were not doctors.

Do customers always meet with the doctor at them?

It's kind of like in my field, people who give good advice may also tell a vulnerable person that they are a social worker, when clearly they don't have the education and training to do so, KWIM?

I may not have used the best example, but the people I am referring to are basically glorified salespeople.

I hope I am not offending anyone but when I read your post last night this is the first thing that crossed my mind.

Message edited 12/2/2013 6:13:54 AM.

Re: PSA about Optometrist Places

For young children, I'd always go to an ophthalmologist rather than an optometrist. They are physicians and trained to make sure the eye is healthy.

Once you're older and your eyes have stabilized, and you don't have any serious issues, then I think it's fine to go to an optometrist just for your glasses.

Re: PSA about Optometrist Places

Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee

Random question:

DH and I don't wear glasses so I honestly don't know, but I have known a few people to work in those eyeglass stores who certainly were not doctors.

Do customers always meet with the doctor at them?

It's kind of like in my field, people who give good advice may also tell a vulnerable person that they are a social worker, when clearly they don't have the education and training to do so, KWIM?

I may not have used the best example, but the people I am referring to are basically glorified salespeople.

I hope I am not offending anyone but when I read your post last night this is the first thing that crossed my mind.

Re: PSA about Optometrist Places

Posted by OffWithHerHead23

Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee

Random question:

DH and I don't wear glasses so I honestly don't know, but I have known a few people to work in those eyeglass stores who certainly were not doctors.

Do customers always meet with the doctor at them?

It's kind of like in my field, people who give good advice may also tell a vulnerable person that they are a social worker, when clearly they don't have the education and training to do so, KWIM?

I may not have used the best example, but the people I am referring to are basically glorified salespeople.

I hope I am not offending anyone but when I read your post last night this is the first thing that crossed my mind.

I understand what you're saying, and I think that's exactly what we got. A technician of some kind.

I should have gone to a real doctor with her right away... I know that now. When I think about what could have happened I feel sick to my stomach.

PSA about Optometrist Places

Thank you for posting this. I wear contacts and I started going to an opthamologist a few years ago after I personally had a bad experience at a Cohens Fashion Optical. I always tell people go to a Dr!

Re: PSA about Optometrist Places

Thanks for responding.

The two girls I know who did this I do not think had any formal medical-type training.

One of them I don't even know if she completed her associate's degree.

In any event, this is a good PSA about the importance of seeing someone with an MD behind their name for a medical-related issue.

Re: PSA about Optometrist Places

There are several different eye professionals.

An ophthalmologist is an M.D. I take my kids to a pediatric ophthalmologist. As an adult, however, it is not really necessary to go to an ophthalmologist IMO unless you suffer from a serious medical eye issue I.e. Glaucoma, detached retina etc.

An optometrist has a doctor of optometry. While they did not attend medical school they did do a four year post graduate doctorate much like a dentist or podiatrist would. They can dilate your pupils, examine your corneas, retinas, diagnose eye issues and do refractions. I actually go to a really good one who has extensive knowledge.

Lastly, there are opticians who are just technically trained.

I have had eye issue since I was 18 months so I have a lot of experience with all these professionals.

Like everything there are good and bad members of each profession.

Re: PSA about Optometrist Places