Barangaroo, New South Wales50 optometrists near you

The studies to become an ophthalmologist are quite long and access to the training that allows you to specialise is through a very selective competition: the Numerus Clausus. Basically, 11 years of study are required to obtain a diploma of specialised study in ophthalmology. The path to becoming an ophthalmologist or oculist is divided into three main stages: - First cycle of studies after a BAC S preferably which lasts 2 years leading to the Numerus Clausus, a selective competition which allows to continue the general studies of medicine; - Second cycle (DCEM) of 4 years constituting the externat; - Third cycle of 5 years to specialise in the discipline - in this case ophthalmology - subject to having obtained good results in the ECNi (computerised national classification tests). The last cycle of studies, which focuses on specialisation, allows the student to obtain the DES in ophthalmology after defending a thesis before a jury.

The ophthalmologist treats the various pathologies affecting the eye, the eyeball and the eyelid, but also diseases leading to a reduction in visual acuity. He is also in great demand for the treatment of vision problems. An ophthalmologist can perform a wide range of tasks: - Treatment of diseases affecting the eyes (conjunctivitis, among others), the eyeball (AMD affecting the retina, glaucoma...), and the eyelids such as styes; - Treatment of vision problems: strabismus, myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, cataracts, etc; - Treatment of visual disorders caused by certain diseases such as hypertension, multiple sclerosis or diabetes. During an ophthalmological consultation, the practitioner carries out a visual acuity assessment, evaluates eye tone, measures the field of vision, sometimes carries out a fundus... When he obtains the results, he can make the appropriate diagnosis and adapt the treatment to the problem encountered. The ophthalmologist can then : - Recommend the wearing of glasses or contact lenses; - Prescribe medication, usually in the form of eye drops; - Recommend surgery in the case of a cataract for example. Generally, the ophthalmologist follows his patients since childhood, as is the case for the dentist, in order to be able to adapt the treatment to the evolution of the various pathologies being treated. They also play a very important role in prevention.

We are sometimes confronted with vision problems, especially from a young age, due to our lifestyle: telephone, television, computer, tablet, etc. Staying too long in front of screens undoubtedly leads to vision problems over time. There are many symptoms that prompt a consultation with an ophthalmologist: tingling of the eye, frequent tearing, blurred vision, etc.

Ophthalmologists are among the most sought-after specialists. The best way to find one quickly is to go through a directory like StarOfService. It is possible to meet many ophthalmologists in your region or city, and select the practitioner who will meet your needs.

Ophthalmologists are not all in the same boat when it comes to pricing. Some offer consultations at a price corresponding to the social security reimbursement base, these are the sector 1 practitioners who are under agreement, while others set their own rates and charge more. There are also ophthalmologists who are members of the OPTAM (option pratique tarifaire maîtrisée) which is an agreement authorising signatory sector 2 doctors to charge limited excess fees, thus allowing insured patients to have better reimbursement. Generally, a consultation with an ophthalmologist is part of a coordinated care pathway, i.e. it is the attending physician who will refer the patient to the specialist. This ensures optimal reimbursement by the health insurance system. Compliance with the coordinated care pathway means that 70% of the cost is covered on the basis of the conventional tariff. Otherwise, the reimbursement will be based on less than the 30% rate and the ophthalmologist may charge more. For a consultation with an ophthalmologist in the coordinated care pathway (sector 1), the basic rate is €30 with reimbursement at 70%. If the ophthalmologist is a sector 2 OPTAM member, the rate is the same as for a contracted practitioner. If the ophthalmologist is not covered by a convention, but is an OPTAM member, the basic consultation rate will be €23 for a reimbursement rate of 70%. Outside the coordinated care pathway, the basic fee is €25 for a 30% reimbursement rate for a practitioner under agreement and not under agreement who is an OPTAM member, whereas it is €23 for a sector 2 practitioner who is not an OPTAM member. In addition, for all consultations, a compulsory contribution of €1 is retained by Social Security except for people under 18 years of age, pregnant women from the 6th month of pregnancy and up to 12 days after childbirth, and people benefiting from the Complémentaire Santé Solidaire.

Everyone is free to define their own criteria for choosing an ophthalmologist. But basically, experience, recommendations and availability are the main points to be taken into account. There is also the equipment. It should be noted that the field of health care has evolved enormously in recent years thanks to technology. This can be a particular criterion in the choice of an ophthalmologist. For example, you can call various practitioners and ask them directly or check their websites to see if this is highlighted.

- How long have you worked as an ophthalmologist? - What type of equipment do you use to make your diagnoses, e.g. for a vision test? - Are you an ophthalmologist under contract? - How will the consultation take place? - Do I need to bring anything with me before the consultation?