Complain about a product or service

"A disservice ..."

Optometrists vs. the World • Rebecca • Larry • Gene • Keith • Will • Lee --- Readers Respond • Joe • Kim

Will J. Lindberg, Livonia MI (9/4/03):
"How can anyone argue that patients with eye disease should not consult a specialist who is licensed to treat them surgically as well as medically and ocularly, for lack of a better term? We think Rebecca is thinking more of her own status than the welfare of her patients?"

So, you recommend seeing a neurosurgeon for a headache?

It is true that at some eyeglass places the quality of eyecare offered sucks because they only want the optometrist to write eyeglass prescirptions, but DO NOT assume these places represent the mainstream of optometric care, they don't.

The fact is, if you need eye surgery, optomerists know who the BEST surgeons are for the particular condition. The best cataract surgeon is rarely the best one for lasik surgery, and so on.

Just going to any ophthalmologist offers no assurance that the patient is going to get the best treatment, or that their care will be superior to that from an optometrist.

Your current remarks are a disservice to consumers because they may confuse the millions of consumers that receive competent and affordable eye care from optometrists. These folks might be persuaded to go to unnecessary trouble and expense to duplicate services. They might even fall victim to unnecessary surgery! What kind of consumer guidance is that?

I suggest that you do some research about this before making such broad statements. Check out the American Optometric Association website. Talk to someone there. Very likely you will change your tune when you learn the truth.