Finding a Glaucoma Specialist

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness all over the world. Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve in the back of the eye. Sadly, the disease is known as the “sneak thief” of sight due to lack of symptoms while damage is being done. Glaucoma treatment is available to prevent blindness; a patient and glaucoma specialist will work together make/adjust treatment plan to prevent blindness. Glaucoma requires continual visits with your glaucoma doctor. Treatment may include eye drops, laser procedures, glaucoma surgical procedures, or a combination of treatment. A general eye doctor knows how to manage glaucoma, however, it is still best to have your eyes taken care of by a glaucoma specialist. A glaucoma specialist studies glaucoma and focuses their skill and knowledge on glaucoma.

Finding A Glaucoma Specialist

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, then your next step is to find the right glaucoma specialist for you. There are many different ways to find glaucoma specialist in your area. The most common is through a direct referral from family doctor or optometrist. Doctors work with each other to offer the best value for their patients. Also, if family or friends have a glaucoma doctor, then they can give you insight into their experience with their doctor. Lastly, thanks to the internet, a quick google search can help you find glaucoma specialist in your area.

What to Look for

If you were referred to a doctor, friend or internet search there are a few key certifications, skills, and traits to look for before choosing a doctor. 

1. Board Certified Ophthalmologist A “Board Certified” Ophthalmologist must pass both a written and oral exam after the doctor has completed his or her residency. The oral exam involves a small group of expert ophthalmologist asking how the doctor would handle specific situations during surgery. A Board Certified Ophthalmologist has a seal of approval from the experts and gives patients a piece of mind that their doctor is an expert in Ophthalmology. Learn More: https://abop.org  

2. Glaucoma Specialist An optometrist and standard ophthalmologist can detect and treat glaucoma. However, A glaucoma specialist has more training for glaucoma and a wider range of treatment options for their patients. An Ophthalmologist must complete four years of medical school and then undergo four years of residency training. After residency, the doctor is able to take the professional licensure examination for Ophthalmology. An Ophthalmologist can detect and treat glaucoma, but for doctors interested in learning how to treat advanced, severe, unusual, or complicated forms of glaucoma there is the option of completing additional training called a fellowship. Most importantly, a glaucoma specialist must perform a number of actual glaucoma surgeries to be adept as a glaucoma surgeon. Often, those in training will have to first do mock operations on cadaver eyes for mastery of basic eye surgical techniques and eye anatomy. 

3. Positive Reviews Glaucoma treatment involves communication with your doctor and evaluating treatment to ensure the disease does not progress. You will want a doctor that you are able to comfortable communicating with. The easiest way to see how a doctor relates to his or her patients is to read reviews from current patients. You can usually find reviews on a Facebook or Yelp page.

Edmond or Norman

BVA Advanced Eye Care glaucoma specialist, Dr. Don Nguyen M.D., practices in Edmond, Oklahoma and Norman, Oklahoma. Dr. Nguyen is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist. Dr. Nguyen training includes a residency at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio and a Glaucoma fellowship at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford under the tutelage of the internationally renowned Dr. Kuldev Singh.

BVA Advance Eye Care

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The first step of creating better vision is to speak with an eye doctor. You can contact us through our website or give us a call at 1-888-323-3937 Related Articles: iStent for Glaucoma SLT Treatment for Glacoma Kahook Dual Blade for Glaucoma Glaucoma Specialist