33,910
Ophthalmologists
100%
Accepting patients
88%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 33,910 ophthalmologists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (88%). 71% accept Medicare.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care. Unlike optometrists, they can perform eye surgery, including cataract removal, LASIK, glaucoma procedures, retinal surgery, and corneal transplants. They also diagnose and treat the full spectrum of eye diseases.
After medical school, ophthalmologists complete a one-year internship followed by a three-year ophthalmology residency. Many pursue additional one- to two-year fellowships in subspecialties like retina, cornea, glaucoma, oculoplastics, or pediatric ophthalmology. This makes them the most extensively trained eye care professionals.
For routine vision checks and glasses prescriptions, an optometrist is usually sufficient. When you need surgery, have a complex eye disease, or have been referred for a condition beyond the scope of optometric care, an ophthalmologist is the right provider.
See an ophthalmologist for cataracts, glaucoma requiring surgery or advanced management, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal tears or detachment, eye injuries, LASIK evaluation, eyelid problems, crossed eyes in children, or any eye condition your optometrist has referred you for. You should also see one if you have a systemic disease (diabetes, autoimmune conditions) that affects the eyes.
The first visit includes a comprehensive eye exam with dilation, detailed imaging of your retina and optic nerve, and a review of your symptoms and medical history. The ophthalmologist will explain their findings, discuss treatment options (including whether surgery is indicated), and outline next steps. Plan for two to three hours total because of dilation and imaging.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · Cataract surgery: $3,000-5,000 per eye · LASIK: $2,000-3,000 per eye · Retinal imaging: $50-200
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can perform eye surgery and treat all eye diseases. Optometrists (OD) are eye care professionals who perform exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and manage many eye conditions but do not perform surgery. Think of it like this: optometrists are your primary eye care provider; ophthalmologists are the surgical specialists.
Cataracts are common with aging. Surgery is recommended when cataracts interfere with daily activities like driving, reading, or recognizing faces. If your prescription changes frequently and glasses no longer give you sharp vision, cataracts may be the cause. Your ophthalmologist will assess the severity and help you decide when surgery makes sense.
LASIK has a strong safety record. Over 95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better. Serious complications are rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases. Side effects like dry eyes and nighttime glare are more common but usually temporary. Not everyone is a candidate. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your corneal thickness, prescription stability, and overall eye health before recommending the procedure.
Healthy adults without eye disease can see an ophthalmologist every one to two years for a comprehensive exam. People with diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or a family history of eye disease should follow their ophthalmologist's recommended schedule, which may be every three to twelve months depending on the condition.
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Medical insurance covers ophthalmology visits for eye diseases and conditions (glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye exams). Vision insurance covers routine refraction and glasses prescriptions. LASIK is typically not covered by either. Cataract surgery is covered by medical insurance. Verify in-network status and whether pre-authorization is needed for surgery or diagnostic imaging.