Anything I could Do About this Bad Doctor???

Question

I am 21 yrs old. I went in for a routine eye exam. I go to a lenscrafters with several optometrists staffed there. I went through the exam, the waiting area was pretty busy, and the doctor seemed very rushed.

I asked about dilation, and she said I did not need to get my eyes dilated.

Now I am extremely xtremely nearsighted (-14.00), and so I have been getting my eyes dilated there every single year since I was about 8 years old. I thought it was very very strange. I left anyways. I came home and the next day I called to make an appointmnt for dilation anyways. I just felt felt very uncomfortable not having it done. I went in and another docotr did my dilation, and it turns out there were holes present. I have to have a laser surgery to seal them up. If this went unnoticed, retinal detachment could have occurred, and blindness could have resulted.

I was very mad about the first doctor. I think she was in a rush, and just want wanted me out.

Answer 1

Angel,

The best way to handle this is to contact your state Board of

Professional Regulation or Physician Licensing Board and file a complaint.  Bad doctors reflect badly on all good doctors.

You are absolutely right, that at  -14.00 you should have your pupils dilated every year.

Answer 2

If you actually requested it instead of just asking if you needed it, then it should have been done. It is not a requirement of every visit. I rarely have mine done and my eyes are pretty bad as well. IF you actually asked them to do it adn they refused then make a fuss. If not, consider it lesson learned that YOU are responsible for your healthcare and you can;t completely trust even a doctor.

If you had told them to do it and it wasn't, then call the medical board and file a report.

Answer 3

At the least you should call Lens Crafters Corporate office and complain.  Be sure and have the doctors name available for them.  This is why I always tell my family when it comes to our health, it is up to US to make sure the doctors do what needs to be done.  Believe me, I have told my doctors what medication to put me on because I research things before going and talking to him.  It's like my own 2nd opinion.

Answer 4

Make a complaint to the licensing body for optometrists in the state or province where you live.   Call any optometrist in your city for the name and address of licensing body.

The optometrist will be investigated and, if found in violation of standards of practice, could be fined, have license suspended or forced to undergo remediation.

Answer 5

Well, your first mistake was going to Lenscappers for an eye exam.  They care about one thing and one thing only: selling glasses.  The optometrists who sell themselves out to those places are pressured to do as many exams as possible, which means people like you don't get dilated.  

With your prescription, you should be going to a good private practice doctor who will actually care for your eyes.