Who is the proper doctor to see about punctal plugs: An Optometrist or Opthamologist?

[posey]

I've found some confusion on this one.

An optometrist inserted my temporary collagen plugs.

But then, I talked to another optometrist and he said he can't do them, an opthamologist comes in once a week to do this procedure.

And now, I've recently moved so I'm in search of a new doctor, and I've called several of each and the optometrists haven't even heard of punctal plugs and the opthamologists tell me they only do more invasive procedures, to see an optometrist.

Looks like I have more phone calls ahead of me, but who should I be calling?

[willwork4tears]

My ophthalmologist did my plugs and cautery. They are pretty simple to put in, so an optometrist would be able to do them as long as they have the right training. It's probably just that most run-of-the-mill optometrists aren't trained to put them in.

The ophthalmologist who said "he only does more specialized procedures" could do them; but it sounds like he's too uninterested/lazy to do so. I would keep calling ophthalmologists until you find one who is willing to work with you.

Mine is a corneal specialist.

[jenny2008]

hey there..
I have had plugs put in by both my optometrist and opthamologist.. i know some optometrists in my town don't use plugs but luckily mine does... you should be able to find an optometrist who does them... i have had good luck with plugs from both types of docs...

[spmcc]

RE: plugs in Canada

I'm on the west cost of Canada. Mostly I get my plugs from my ophthalmologist. At the beginning, 10 years ago, they were free. Now I'm charged around $75 to have them put in.

Last time I wanted plugs, I asked for 3-month dissolvable (not the 10 day or the permanent silicone or intracanalicular/smart plug). My ophthalmologist said she didn't know about any 3-month dissolvable plugs. So I called a Lasik place!!! That was in the afternoon... and I got in the next morning. I had four 3-month dissolvable plugs put in. It cost $100 PER PLUG (I include prices because that's strange for Canada where everything truly medical is usually free/almost free).

So... if you can swing it and you want them asap, call a Lasik/Laser eye place and they will get you in right away. They know all about all the different plugs because they cause so much dry eye!!!

Oh, and they're ophthalmologists at these places.

[posey]

Thanks everyone!

That's a good tip, to try laser clinics, which I did, but they didn't want my money either Hmmm....made some 4 dozen calls and no one could help me! But, found a doctor (optometrist) in Toronto which is a few hours away who knew what he was doing! Along the way ran into quite a few willing to give it a try... :/

$75! Wow! I paid $300! Before that I paid another $300 for the temporary plugs! Then exam fees on top of that (another $150 each)...so $900 in the past 6 months.