There are different eye doctors, and one of these is an optometrist. Each doctor has a different level of training and expertise. Expectedly, they provide various services. 

Who Is an Optometrist?

Optometrists are eye doctors who provide primary care for your vision. They can diagnose, treat and manage changes in your vision. They can also test your eyes and provide options for vision correction. They may not attend medical school; instead, they must attend optometry school for training. The services they offer include:
 

• Conducting vision tests.
   

• Performing eye exams.
   

• Prescribing, fitting, and dispensing corrective lenses.
   

• Providing visual rehabilitation.
   

• Diagnosing eye irregularities.
   

• Prescribing medication for some eye conditions.
   

• Performing minor surgeries.

Now you know the services they offer. However, how do you choose a good optometrist? Here are six qualities you should note.

Communication Skills

Your optometrist should educate you on ocular health, vision care, eye hygiene, and treatment for specific injuries or diseases. Hence, they need to be excellent communicators. It is a crucial part of customer care.

It enhances the quality of feedback they get from you as they conduct medical follow-ups. Good communication helps them build rapport with other members of their staff. It ensures they give the proper care to various patients and have the appropriate information for each. 

Interpersonal Skills

Optometrists need to have good interpersonal skills. These skills will help them maintain a calm and professional manner while making you feel comfortable. After all, you will be in close contact with your optometrist as they conduct exams and tests. You need to be at ease. These skills are crucial not only for optometrists; they also extend to other professions.

Time Management Skills

Have you ever had a doctor’s appointment and still had to wait? Time management will ensure that patients do not dread eye checkups. It also shows that your optometrist has an organized work environment. Their training informs them how much time they should spend on tests, exams, and fittings. An optometrist who has good time management skills shows that they are effectively utilizing their training.

Decision-making Skills

These are vital skills in the clinical profession. It can be frustrating for patients to spend days getting tests without a diagnosis or treatment plan. Hence, good decision-making is a sign of a high-quality optometrist. Clear thinking helps patients get effective treatment quickly. It does not matter if they consult a colleague in the process so long as a decision is forthcoming.

Problem-solving Skills

High-quality optometrists will have good problem-solving skills. These help them diagnose conditions and come up with a treatment plan. They rely on their training and knowledge to make proper assessments and develop conclusions. Even the most complicated cases require apt examination, diagnosis, planning, and care.

Hard Skills

Your optometrist needs to have the hard skills for the job. They need to have the proper training from optometry school. You must find evidence that they have the certification and qualifications to practice. Training ensures you receive care without endangering your eyesight.

For more information on choosing a high-quality optometrist, visit SeePort Optometry at our office in North Port, Florida. Call (941) 876-4400 to book an appointment today.