Ophthalmologists in Silver Spring, MD

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who treats eye disease and performs surgery. An optometrist (OD) provides eye exams, glasses and contact lens prescriptions and treats many common eye conditions. Most people start with an optometrist and are referred when surgery or specialist care is needed.

It depends on your medical plan. HMO plans usually require a referral; PPO plans and Original Medicare usually do not. Visits for eye disease are billed to medical insurance, not your vision plan.

For cataracts that affect daily life, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears or detachment, or any sudden vision loss, flashes or new floaters — the last three are emergencies.