How to Choose and Verify an Ophthalmologist in Philadelphia

Ophthalmologist or optometrist

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the eyes and can provide both medical and surgical eye care. An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (OD) who provides eye exams and vision care but is not a medical doctor. Both can be part of your eye care.

Not sure which you need? The simplest step is to ask the clinician who suggested you see an eye doctor. You can also call the practice, explain briefly why you're booking, and ask which type of appointment fits.

Subspecialties in ophthalmology

Many ophthalmologists concentrate on one area. Large departments cover many of these areas; Jefferson, for example, describes its Wills Eye team as providing care in all eye specialties. The table gives a plain-language sense of each area. It's meant for orientation, not for working out what you have.

For background reading on eye conditions, try the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart and the National Eye Institute.

How to check a doctor's credentials

A medical license and board certification are two different things, and you check them in different places. It's worth checking both before a first visit, and especially before any procedure.

1. Get the doctor's full nameCopy it exactly from the hospital or practice profile, including any middle initial or credentials listed.
2. Look up the Pennsylvania licenseStart with PALS, the license lookup system of the Pennsylvania Department of State. The State Board of Medicine is part of the Department of State.
3. Check board certificationUse the American Board of Ophthalmology's verify-a-diplomate lookup at abop.org or ABMS Certification Matters.
4. Compare the detailsMake sure the name, location and specialty match the doctor you plan to see. A common name can belong to more than one person.
5. Ask about anything unclearIf a record is missing, doesn't match or raises a question, contact the licensing board or ask the practice before you book.

Doctors who practice in New Jersey

Penn Medicine lists a Scheie Eye Institute practice in Cherry Hill, NJ. A Pennsylvania lookup covers Pennsylvania licenses only. For a doctor you'll see in New Jersey, check New Jersey's medical licensing records too.

Check where they practice

Some departments have more than one location. Penn Medicine lists Scheie practices at the Perelman Center, Penn Medicine Rittenhouse and Cherry Hill. Temple Health's doctor directory includes a Chief of Ophthalmology at the Jeanes Campus. Before you book, confirm three things:<br>- which location the doctor sees patients at<br>- whether that location is in your insurance network<br>- how you'll get there and back

Our academic eye centers guide lists the published addresses. For children, CHOP's Division of Ophthalmology cares for patients of all ages in childhood.

Questions to ask at a first consultation

• Which subspecialty do you practice, and how often do you see problems like mine?
• Who else will be involved in my care, such as doctors in training, technicians or other specialists?
• Which tests might happen today, and will my eyes be dilated?
• What are my options, including waiting, and what are the trade-offs of each?
• How will I get my results, and how do I reach the office with questions?
• If I need a procedure, where would it take place, and is that location covered by my plan?
• Will you send a summary to the doctor who referred me?

Bring the questions written down. Consider bringing someone to take notes, especially if your eyes may be dilated.

Second opinions

If you want a second opinion, ask your current practice to send your records to the new one. Ask both offices how test results and images are shared. Check with your plan whether it covers the second visit and whether you need a referral. Our guide to insurance, referrals and your first visit has a list of questions to ask.

Reasons to slow down

• You can't find a license record, or it doesn't match the doctor's name and location.
• You're asked to decide on a procedure before your questions have been answered.
• Nobody can tell you how the visit or procedure will be billed.
• You're unsure who will actually perform a procedure.
• Something you read online conflicts with what you were told. Ask about it directly.