How to Choose a New Eye Doctor When Your Optometrist Closes

Published October 1, 2026 · By Dr. Lu Eye Care · 5 min read · Former patients

Losing a familiar eye doctor is frustrating, especially when you liked the care you received. The good news is that a practice closure is also a chance to choose your next provider deliberately instead of picking the first available appointment. This checklist walks through what to consider, the questions worth asking, and how to make your first visit with a new doctor go smoothly.

Start with what you actually need

Different patients need different things from an eye care practice. Before you search, think about which of these describe you:

• Routine exams and glasses. Most optometry practices handle comprehensive exams and eyeglass prescriptions.
• Contact lenses. Ask specifically whether the practice fits contacts, and whether it handles specialty fits such as toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses.
• An ongoing eye condition. If you are monitored for glaucoma risk, diabetic eye changes or another condition, look for a practice with the testing equipment to follow it, such as OCT scanning and visual field testing.
• Children's eye care. Not every office sees young children, so check age limits if you are booking for the whole family.
• Surgery or advanced disease. If you may need cataract surgery or treatment for advanced eye disease, you will likely see an ophthalmologist, often after a referral from an optometrist.

If you are not sure which kind of professional fits your situation, our guide to optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians explains the differences.

Check insurance and costs early

Eye care can be billed in two different ways, which surprises many patients:

• Vision plans usually cover a routine eye exam and give an allowance toward glasses or contacts.
• Medical insurance usually covers visits for medical eye problems, such as an infection, new floaters, glaucoma monitoring or a diabetic eye exam.

Ask whether the practice is in network for the plans you have. Also ask about fees that are often separate from the exam itself, such as a contact lens fitting fee or optional retinal imaging. If you have a health savings account or flexible spending account, eye exams, glasses and contacts are generally eligible expenses; see our guide to using an HSA or FSA for eye care.

Questions to ask before you book

A quick call or a look at the practice's website can answer most of these:

1. Are you accepting new patients, and how soon can I be seen?
2. Do you accept my vision plan and my medical insurance?
3. Do you fit contact lenses, including toric or multifocal lenses?
4. Is dilation or retinal imaging part of the exam, and is there an extra charge?
5. How do you handle urgent problems, such as a red, painful eye or sudden floaters?
6. Can you receive my records from my previous eye doctor, and how should they be sent?
7. What are your hours, and do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
8. Will I receive a copy of my prescription so I can buy eyewear wherever I choose?

The answer to the last question should always be yes. Under the Federal Trade Commission's Eyeglass Rule and Contact Lens Rule, prescribers must give patients a copy of their prescription after the exam or fitting, and they cannot require you to buy eyewear from them as a condition of receiving it.

Where to look for a new eye doctor

• Your insurance directory. This is the quickest way to find in-network providers near you.
• Professional directories. The American Optometric Association offers a Find a Doctor of Optometry search by ZIP code.
• Your primary care doctor. Physicians often know which local eye doctors communicate well, which helps if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Friends and family. Personal recommendations tell you about the experience: wait times, how well things were explained, and how the office handled problems.

Once you have a name, you can confirm the doctor's license through your state's online license verification service. In Pennsylvania, the Department of State provides license lookups for health professionals, including optometrists.

Weigh convenience, but not only convenience

Location and hours matter, because a practice that is easy to reach is one you are more likely to visit every year. Many people like eye care offices located inside or next to retail stores, where an independent doctor examines your eyes and you can shop for eyewear nearby. Others prefer a standalone practice with a wider range of medical testing. Either can be a good choice. What matters most is that the practice offers the services you need, explains findings clearly, and makes follow-up easy.

Prepare for your first visit

A little preparation helps your new doctor get to know your eyes quickly:

• Request your records from your previous practice in advance. Our guide on requesting records after a practice closes explains how.
• Bring your current glasses, including reading or computer glasses, and your contact lens boxes or a photo of the labels.
• Write down your medications, health conditions and any family history of eye disease, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.
• Note any symptoms you have noticed, such as blurry vision at night, headaches when reading, dryness or new floaters.
• Bring your insurance cards, and ask whether you will be dilated so you can plan for sunglasses and a ride if needed.

Our step-by-step guide to what happens during a comprehensive eye exam can help you know what to expect.

Do not wait too long

It is tempting to postpone an exam until you find the perfect practice, but many eye conditions develop without symptoms. The American Optometric Association recommends a yearly comprehensive exam for adults, and people with diabetes or other risk factors may need closer follow-up. If you are due, book with a reputable practice now; you can always switch later. See how often you should get an eye exam for a detailed schedule.

For former Dr. Lu Eye Care patients

Dr. Lu Eye Care, inside Costco Warminster, closed effective December 31, 2025. Records are securely maintained by Dr. Lu, and instructions for requesting a copy or a transfer are on the closure and records page. Sending your records to your new practice before your first appointment gives your new doctor the most complete picture.

Bottom line

Choose a new eye doctor based on the services you need, your insurance, and how comfortable you feel with the practice, then bring your history with you. A few questions up front and a records request in advance make the switch much easier, and keep your eye health on track.

This article is general health information and is not a substitute for an examination or personal advice from a licensed eye care professional. If you have sudden vision changes, eye pain, or new floaters or flashes, seek care promptly.