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Comment by epmaybe | Hacker News Reader

Ophthalmologist or optometrist? Very different, and I think the difference needs to be overstated more and more.

Not the poster but I see no reason to doubt the claim. A while back when dealing with glasses that didn't come out right my eye doc wanted to check the PD in an attempt to figure out why my glasses were bothering me (I'm incredibly sensitive on my computer pair, I can't tolerate anything that isn't absolutely spot on)--and she walked over to the optical center to borrow their PD measurer. She didn't have one because it's not something she normally needs.

I've been seeing the same ophthalmologist for years, but last time, they told me I needed to get the COVID booster for next visit. So there was no next visit. I have other doctors and a dentist, and none of them push that.

He's also absolutely dogmatic and dismissive about how LASIK is safe (although he didn't push it for me).

He did give me my PD, though.

Pretty messed up they wouldn't let you endanger them at their own workplace

It’s clear at this point that vax/boosts don’t keep you from contracting or passing on the virus.

What matters to others is you showing up at the dentist exhibiting symptoms.

They reduce the chance, however. Imperfect protection is better than nothing.

... and yet no other doctor has that policy, or even a hospital. Pretty messed up that an ophthalmologist thinks he knows better than all of them.

I don't know anyone requiring a booster or even a vaccine for patients, but it's their practice and their health. Ophthalmologists are second only to ENT and Anesthesia in risk of contracting infectious diseases from patients due to our physical proximity to your face during the exam. Maybe that's what motivates their behavior.

Physicians do have to ask about vaccines and document the answer in order meet meaningful use requirements. Maybe this is what you experienced?

LASIK is safe, but when there are complications they're a big deal.

I got it wrong the first time. He’s an MD ophthalmologist.

Unless there's need for specialized medical or surgical treatment, getting eye exams and eyeglass prescriptions from an ophthalmologist as opposed to a optometrist is like getting your teeth cleaned by an oral surgeon rather than a dentist. Astigmatism and/or myopia, refractive errors, corneal disease, amblyopia? Optometrist. Ptosis, proptosis, endophthalmitis, macular degeneration, excess tearing, detached retina or trauma? Ophthalmologist.

Fuck dude. I think I got macular degeneration just reading that! ;)

At the same time I agree with parent that this persons ophthalmologist was a liar and should honestly be reported for that kind of shady behavior.

EDIT: also re corneal disease unless the treatment is a contact lens go to an ophthalmologist for that one too

To be fair, I had a dentist who was technically an oral surgeon but would sometimes even bump the hygienist and do the cleanings himself; because they were easy and he was bored. Same cost to me so I didn't mind.

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