Andrew P Smith, Od

Optometry

Andrew P Smith, Od is an Optometry practice in Waterloo, NY with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in examining eyes for both vision and health problems, and correcting refractive errors by prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as providing low vision care and vision therapy. Optometrists at Andrew P Smith, Od perform eye exams to detect any vision problems or diseases; requires testing visual acuity, depth, and color perception, as well as the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometry is the practice or profession of examining the eyes for visual defects and prescribing corrective lenses. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Optometry practices include conjunctivitis, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Optometry practices include visual acuity test, color blindness test, cover test, eye movement test, depth perception test, retinoscopy, refraction test, as well as autorefractor and abberrometer prescription estimate.

Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice. Optometrists are eye health care professionals state-licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.

Exclusive Provider Organization

An EPO is a form of PPO, in which patients must visit a caregiver that is specified on its panel of providers (is a participating provider). If a visit to an outside(not participating) provider is made the EPO offers very limited or no coverage for the medical service; (2) While similar to a PPO in that an EPO allows patients to go outside the network for care, if they do so in an EPO, they are required to pay the entire cost of care. An EPO differs from an HMO in that EPO physicians do not receive capitation but instead are reimbursed only for actual services provided; (3) An organization identical to a preferred provider organization except that persons enrolled in the plan are eligible to receive benefits only when they use the services of the contracting providers. No benefits are available when non-contracting providers are used, except in certain emergency situations.