Sydney is the capital of New South Wales (NSW) surrounded by the Hawkesbury River, Pacific Ocean, Woronora Plateau, and the Blue Mountains. The city attracts around 16 million domestic and international visitors every year primarily for its notable architectural treasures, impressive surf beaches, and pleasant weather.
The Harbour City is also known for providing high-quality of life to its more than 5 million residents. Apart from a stable economy, employment opportunities, clean surroundings, and top-notch schools, Sydney boasts of an excellent healthcare system. As a resident, you are assured of access to all types of health care providers, especially optometrists.
According to a study by Optometry Australia, NSW has a surplus of full-time practitioners, which means you have the option of choosing the most reliable optometrist in Sydney for your eye care needs. Consider the following steps as a guide to help you find an optician you can depend on for years:
Step 1: Identify Your Needs and Wants
The first step to finding an ideal optician is by scrutinising what “best” means by identifying your needs and wants. Below are some guide questions that can help you in the process:
- Does it matter if the optician is a man or a woman?
- Do I want an optician who works alone or with partners?
- Does the type of clinic matters to me?
- Do I want an optometrist with a wide selection of frames from different brands?
- Do I want an optician who can finish my glasses while in a day or two?
- What are my preferred clinic locations and hours?
Step 2: Ask for Recommendations
Once you’re done deciding what kind of optometrist you are looking for, the next step would be to ask around. Think about your family and friends who are wearing glasses and ask them about their opticians. Share your requirements so that they would know if their opticians would be the right fit.
Step 3: Gather Information from the Web
Apart from asking for referrals, you may want to find other opticians online. Spend time in reading client feedback and reviews not only those posted on their websites but those from independent sources as well. Such information will give you a glimpse of the optician’s practice and client treatment.
The Optometry Board of Australia regulates optometrists in Sydney. Make sure that the opticians you are considering are registered by verifying their names on the national register of Australians Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
If the names do not appear, it means they are not registered to practice in the country. The national register of practitioners also provides information on disciplinary action/s against the optician, if any.
Step 4: Make a List of Possible Optometrists
After gathering recommendations and searching the web, make a list of several possible optometrists that you believe you can positively work with. Coming up with shortlist is helpful so that you have several names you can choose from in case your first choice is unavailable, or you need to find another one.
Step 5: Set An Appointment and Assess Your Experience
Make an appointment with the first optician on your list and assess your overall experience. Think about the ambience in the clinic, the conduct of the staff, and waiting time.
More importantly, rate the behaviour of the optometrist and if he/she take the time to pay attention to your needs, answer your questions, and make you feel comfortable. If your first visit did not satisfy, move on to the next optician on your list until you find the eye professional you are looking for.
Finding the right optometrist in Sydney is crucial, given that what he/she does impacts your eye health. Instead of hopping from one optician to the next, it would be best to be prudent in your search by considering the steps above so that you can find an eye care professional that you can work with for a long time.
