Study Reveals Confusion Over Credentials and Training of Eye Care Providers

The National Consumers League (NCL) is urging consumers to learn more about their eye care providers, following the release of a survey that shows people are confused about the training and expertise of different providers.

Visit the NCL Web site Eye Care 101 for Consumers to learn what you need to know about the members of the eye care team. 

In NCL's online survey of 600 adults, consumers exhibited a great deal of confusion regarding the credentials and roles of various eye care provider types, including ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians. For example, 30 percent of respondents incorrectly thought an optometrist had a medical degree. However, the majority of respondents correctly believe an ophthalmologist must be a medically trained professional (67 percent) who is board certified (71 percent).

The national study underscores the need for consumers to consider key issues when making decisions regarding eye care. People usually consider cost, convenience and established relationships, but NCL also says they should weigh the credentials, education, training and experience of possible eye care providers.

Tips from NCL for Selecting an Eye Care Provider

• Know what your needs are when going to an eye care provider. If you don't know what you need to have done, ask your primary care doctor.
• Look for diplomas, licenses, and other qualifications and certifications displayed publicly at the office.
• Ask the provider is he/she has sufficient training and experience to perform the procedure you need, especially when the procedure is more invasive than a regular office visit.
• If your eye care needs include surgery or treatment with medications, ask your provider if he or she is trained and licensed to perform these services. Ask how many times he or she has performed the service, and what kind of side effects and recovery time you can expect.
• If you do not have access to or are unsure about the eye care provider you need, ask your primary care doctor for a recommendation to properly address your needs.
• Who Does What on Your Eye Care Team 

About NCL
The National Consumers League is the nation's oldest consumer advocacy organization. It commissioned the survey to explore consumers' understanding of the eye care arena, which is often confusing due to the number of professionals who offer services. The Academy provided NCL with an unrestricted educational grant, which made the survey possible.