I was wondering how much it usually costs to go through the various eye tests at the optometrist on the average. My eyes are red, itchy and irritated.

Most independent professional Optometrist's will charge $45 to $75 for a
complete health and visual examination. You may want to stay a way from
the commerical side ( the wal marts etc) even though their prices are less.
They are more intrested is selling glasses.

It is imporant to seek Optomertic advice for eyes that are "red,itchy and
irriated" and be less conserned about the costs. A professional
Optometrist will evalate your condition and recomend tretment. He/She will also refur you to a Dermatologist if your condition
needs futher evalation.

Eyes
"Lets work the problem"
Ed Harris (Apollo 13)

Medical insurance should cover a red eye exam. Your cost would be a copay, or more if you haven't met your deductable.

I know they're more expensive, but an ophthalmologist might be better, since an optometrist tends to have less experience outside of performing refractions (determining a prescription for corrective lenses).

Depending upon insurance, sometimes an ophthalmologist is covered and an optometrist is not.

If there is no insurance, a regular MD might be useful. It could be allergies.

If you have eye vision issues---need of contacts or glasses etc... go to a Optometrist.

If you have more severe issues---redness, itchy etc..., go to an MD---Maybe family doctor first---then if he thinks you need to go to a specialist eh will then send you to an Opthalmologist who is also and MD and your insurance should cover that visit as well.

I always say, when in doubt, go to the more experienced party---the M.D. Eye vision is just something you don't mess with.

Good Luck! :)

If you have eye vision issues---need of contacts or glasses etc... go to a Optometrist.

If you have more severe issues---redness, itchy etc..., go to an MD---Maybe family doctor first---then if he thinks you need to go to a specialist eh will then send you to an Opthalmologist who is also and MD and your insurance should cover that visit as well.

I always say, when in doubt, go to the more experienced party---the M.D. Eye vision is just something you don't mess with.

Good Luck! :)

Well, this could be one of the most ignorant things I've read in a long time. If you want to go to an ophthalmologist, fine. But DO NOT go to a family doc for eye care needs. An optometrist would be fully able to handle your red eye issues, in fact, MUCH more capable than any family doc. Now, as far as going to an optometrist vs. an ophthalmologist, either would be able to treat you.

Well, this could be one of the most ignorant things I've read in a long time. If you want to go to an ophthalmologist, fine. But DO NOT go to a family doc for eye care needs. An optometrist would be fully able to handle your red eye issues, in fact, MUCH more capable than any family doc. Now, as far as going to an optometrist vs. an ophthalmologist, either would be able to treat you.

Right on,squatchimo. the professional,independent optometrist is always
the first line of defence for red eye issues and vision problems. Optometrists are
DPA and TPA certified. If anyone reading this post does not know what that
stands for, they need to educate themselves :confused: Ask squatchimo :D

Eyes

As said before, the price range can be wide, so don't hesitate to shop around as well. As friends, family etc. ;)

Right on,squatchimo. the professional,independent optometrist is always
the first line of defence for red eye issues and vision problems. Optometrists are
DPA and TPA certified. If anyone reading this post does not know what that
stands for, they need to educate themselves :confused: Ask squatchimo :D

Eyes

Thanks for the support. I get upset when people think optometrists are only good for contacts and glasses and I get REALLY upset when the suggestion is made that a family doc is better than an OD at treating an eye disorder. Unfortunately, it's a PR problem that the field brought upon itself. Dentistry has somehow been successful at educating the public as to what that particular field does. You don't see people running to the family doc or the oral surgeon if they have a tooth ache, now do you?