Retina Specialist vs. Ophthalmologist

that's a good question! I don't think there's any one real answer suits all, but I'll share my personal thoughts on this. A retinal specialist has had further training, education and experience in matters relating to the retina. They possibly see and treat more patients with retina issues than a general ophthalmologist. They could be considered to be at the top of this field. I saw an ophthalmologist for many years with my dry amd. I switched to a retina specialist when the ophthalmologist wanted to remove my cataracts without much discussion. By then I had amd in both eyes, and a strong family history of both wet and dry. I was at high risk for the wet developing (as it has) and now I have started injections. I was pleased to get to know the retina specialist for a few months before the wet developed. I feel comfortable with him when I have to have the shots. One of my eyes is advanced amd called geographic atrophy. If I need to have shots in that one, I know this retina specialist will handle them well, too. If I had early, slowly progressing amd of the type not likely to develop wet, no family history, no cataracts, no other complications, I may have stayed with the ophthalmologist as long as she communicated well, and explained if my amd was progressing. She was in the next suburb and very easy to get to, which is also a consideration. But I would have been putting out feelers for a good retinal specialist in case things took a turn for the worse. I hope these comments give you some food for thought. Best wishes, Wendy, Patient Leader.

When I was diagnosed with AMD (dry) by my ophthalmologist, I continued with him for a couple of years while also seeing the Retina Specialist he had referred me to monitor chronic iritis (inflammation of the iris). Every 6 months, my eye pressure had to be checked due to the eye drops I was using for the iritis. It finally occurred to me that it would simplify things if my records were at one office with one doctor and that my biggest challenges were with AMD & Iritis. That’s when I decided to switch completely to the Retina Specialist. I also felt he might be more advanced and current in the treatment and trials associated with AMD since he was a specialist. For me, this was the best decision and I have had no regrets. Every situation is very unique. Hopefully, after doing your research and considering your options, you will soon feel comfortable making a decision. I hope what you’re learning here is helpful. Please keep in touch and let us know what you decided. Take care, Linda Hoopes, Team Member