How to choose an ophthalmologist: questions you can verify
Dr. Guillermo Enríquez TostadoNovember 14, 20269 min read
In this article
Choosing an ophthalmologist is not just a matter of comparing prices, advertising, or testimonials. It’s a good idea to verify their training, experience related to the procedure being considered, how clearly they explain alternatives and risks, and how they organize the follow-up. These questions can help you prepare for an informed consultation without treating a single credential as a guarantee of results.
Start by defining what kind of care you need
Before looking for a surgeon, identify the reason for your consultation: cataract, refractive surgery, glaucoma, retina, cornea, eyelids, or another condition. The choice may vary depending on the diagnosis and the complexity of the case. The National Eye Institute explains that both optometrists and ophthalmologists can be involved in general eye care, while an ophthalmologist is a physician specializing in eye care who can provide surgical treatment.
An initial consultation also helps confirm whether you actually need surgery and what alternatives are available. For example, depending on the condition and each person’s circumstances, some problems can be managed with observation, glasses, medication, laser treatment, or other treatments. No single procedure is right for every patient.
At the initial consultation, you can ask:
- •What is the diagnosis or cause of the vision problem?
- •What would be the goal of surgery in my case?
- •What alternatives are available, and what are the limitations of each?
- •What could happen if I decide to wait or not have surgery?
Verify training, license, and related specialty
In Mexico, verify the medical license and specialty license in the National Registry of Professionals. Current board certification can be checked separately through CONACEM. The training description provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology applies to the United States and does not replace these checks.
Ask directly:
- •Are you an ophthalmologist?
- •Where did you complete your ophthalmology training?
- •Do you have additional training related to my condition?
- •Can your professional license and certifications be verified in official records?
- •Who will personally perform the surgery?
A professional certification can be useful information, but it does not replace a clinical conversation or, by itself, show that a procedure is right for you. In the United States, the ABMS Certification Matters directory allows you to check physicians’ certifications through its member boards. In Mexico, verification should be done through official sources: the National Registry of Professionals (SEP) for the professional license and the CONACEM search tool for specialty board certification, in addition to the applicable license and certifications; the specific process should be confirmed based on the jurisdiction and type of care.
It’s also helpful to distinguish between an affiliation, a course, a membership, or an award and a formal certification. If a page uses ambiguous terms such as “expert,” “international specialist,” or “leader,” ask exactly what they mean and what document supports the claim.
Ask about relevant experience, not just the total number of surgeries
Experience should be relevant to your procedure, diagnosis, and level of complexity. Performing cataract surgery is not the same as performing cornea, retina, glaucoma, or refractive surgery. Nor is it enough to ask how many years the doctor has been practicing if it’s unclear what types of cases they currently treat.
Some useful questions are:
- •How often do you perform the surgery you’re recommending for me?
- •What experience do you have with patients whose characteristics are similar to mine?
- •What complications may occur, and how do you manage them?
- •What factors in my examination could increase the risk or limit the outcome?
- •What happens if the procedure does not produce the expected result?
For refractive surgery, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends asking how many eyes the doctor has treated with the same laser and whether the equipment is approved for the procedure in question. This information should not automatically be applied to all eye surgeries, but it highlights the importance of asking about specific experience with the technique and equipment that will be used.
Avoid making a decision based only on advertising figures. A number without context does not tell you about patient selection, complex cases, complications, or length of follow-up. If the doctor shares results, ask how they were measured, over what period, and whether they include adverse effects or repeat procedures.
Evaluate communication and informed consent
A proper consultation should help you understand the diagnosis, the goal of surgery, alternatives, expected benefits, risks, and uncertainties. The FDA recommends having time to review the information and ask questions before signing consent for refractive surgery.
Notice whether the surgeon:
- •Explains things in words you can understand.
- •Answers questions without pressuring you.
- •Acknowledges that outcomes can vary.
- •Discusses alternatives, not just the technique they offer.
- •Explains what expectations are realistic and what they cannot guarantee.
- •Lets you take information home to review before deciding.
A red flag is when the decision is based mainly on discounts, promotions, packages, or promises of guaranteed results. The FDA warns that you should not choose refractive surgery based only on cost and that medicine offers no absolute guarantees of results.
Confirm who will provide follow-up care and what will happen if a problem arises
Follow-up is part of surgical care. Ask who will examine you afterward, where follow-up visits will take place, and how questions or complications will be handled outside regular hours. The FDA’s LASIK checklist recommends asking whether the doctor encourages long-term follow-up and warns that care before and after surgery may be provided by a doctor other than the surgeon.
Before agreeing, try to find out:
- •How many follow-up visits are initially included.
- •Who will be available to assess unexpected symptoms.
- •Whether the surgeon will take part in important follow-up visits.
- •What costs may arise for tests, additional treatments, or repeat procedures.
- •What documentation you will receive about the surgery, implant, or equipment used, when applicable.
Follow-up does not mean that everyone will recover in the same way. The timeline and course depend on the procedure, eye health, other conditions, medications, and individual response.
Brief checklist for comparing consultations
- •Training: Verifiable question: Where did you train, and what training do you have related to my case? What to look for: Clear, verifiable information.
- •Experience: Verifiable question: How often do you perform this procedure? What to look for: Specific experience, not just years in practice.
- •Alternatives: Verifiable question: What options are available besides surgery? What to look for: An explanation of the benefits, limitations, and risks of each option.
- •Informed consent: Verifiable question: What complications could occur, and what would we do if they arise? What to look for: Specific answers, without absolute guarantees.
- •Follow-up: Verifiable question: Who will examine me afterward, and how will I get care if I have a problem? What to look for: A clear, accessible plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is a surgeon with more years of experience always the best choice?
Not necessarily. Years in practice can be one factor, but they should be considered along with relevant training, experience with the procedure you need, an evaluation of your case, and the quality of communication. No number guarantees an individual result.
Should I get a second opinion?
It may be reasonable when surgery is elective, there are several alternatives, the diagnosis is unclear, or you feel pressured to make a decision. A second opinion does not mean the first doctor is wrong; it may help you compare explanations and confirm that you understand the risks and benefits.
Are online reviews enough to help me choose?
No. Reviews may describe one person's experience, but they do not replace checking a doctor's training, license, specific experience, or follow-up care. If you use them, treat them as a starting point for questions, not as proof of clinical superiority.
make an informed choice based on an individual assessment
To choose an ophthalmic surgeon, look for information you can verify and a consultation where you have the opportunity to ask questions. Training, relevant experience, a balanced explanation of alternatives and risks, and follow-up care should be considered together. The final decision depends on your diagnosis, expectations, overall health, and individual assessment.
If you are considering eye care or surgery, you can prepare these questions and discuss them during a medical consultation. You can also request an assessment through this appointment link, but making a request does not replace a clinical evaluation or mean that a procedure is appropriate for everyone.
References
- •National Eye Institute: Find an Eye Doctor. Update indicated on the page: 18 of February 2025.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation or constitute a diagnosis.
This information is for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Each case is assessed in person.
