Would you use an Optometrist onboard your cruise ship??

[KeithnRita]

Welcome aboard Dr Kaiser. Just like most of the others we have our own Optometrist and would only use another in case of an emergency. If this service was offered on a cruise ship we would not consider it as a reason to book.

[mercedes]

Only in an emergency.

[GottaCruz]

Dr. Kaiser,

Regardless of the outcome of your poll, we do hope that you will enjoy posting in our forums. We're always happy to have new members.

[teacp]

I agree with everyone else as to only in an emergency............but what kind of an emergency would it be for you to see an optomertist.

Is an optomertrist qualified to treat medical emergencies of the eye or would that be the medical doctor........as a diabetic I see an opthomologist every six months.

I see my optomotrist just for a regular eye exam and new glasses or contacts.

Welcome aboard Dr. Kaiser and hope your dream works out for you and hope to see you posting.

ironically my optomotrist here in Cinci. is Dr. Kaiser.

[Mebert]

refractor,

As much as I would like to support another CruiseCrazies member I would have to decline on the optometrist aboard a ship. The fact is, even though prescriptions may be accurate 99% of the time, I may be the 1% that has an inaccurate prescription. What jurisdiction would an optometrist be in if he were traveling on a ship.

I believe it's better for me to go to a local one stop eyecare center that does the test and provides the glasses or contact lenses. That way it's convenient and faster to go back for adjustments and the optometrist can test if the presciption is correct.

[refractor]

I don't mind your questions. I myself am not much of a "cruiser". Too hyper. I feel I need to be doing productive things at all times of the day. Didn't use to be this way, but as I have gotten older, time has become a premium. My mindset would be to cater to people, such as myself, who don't have time to schedule these important things except when on vacation. A cruise ship is an excellent place to forgo an hour of my life....especially when at sea. I understand there are lots of activities, but I find myself to be visually inclined for relaxation and the ocean gets kind of boring after 30 minutes. I would actually like to have many different services available to me in a situation like this.

Obviously, this type of service is not for everyone...I would not expect it to be. I would only hope for 2 to 5 percent of the "cruisers" to utilize this service. Any more and the doctor may become overwhelmed.

An optical situation, as the one you illustrate, is not the type of service we would typically provide. We are perfectly capable of providing this service, but it is more of a retail service. Our vocation is eye care and that is the aspect in which we would cater.

Thanks again for your response.

Dr. Ron Kaiser

[refractor]

Thanks for your response. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception about Optometrists. We are fully qualified to treat any type of eye disease. Newer Optometrists are thoroughly trained to handle all ocular emergencies. The only thing an Optometrist can't do that an Ophthalmolgist can do is surgery. I myself have a "medical practice" and probably see as many diabetic patients as most Ophthalmogists. My collegues in Oklahoma could provide a complete service to you, since they have priveleges to utilize lasers, which is sometimes necessary to treat diabetic retinopathy. I am also fully licensed to treat glaucoma. Most glaucoma patients need to have their pressure monitored every three months. This is another service we could provide.

In my practice, and what would be provided on the cruise ship, there are two important aspects to an eye exam - the first is visual and the second is health. This is my "regular eye exam" and it would completely fulfill your necessity for a diabetic eye exam. It is unfortunate that your current Optometrist does not practice this way. It would save you time and money.

Thanks again for your response and good luck.

Dr. Ron Kaiser

[Dan]

As with most other things on a cruise ship, this would likely have a hefty price premium over what my eye exams at home would cost. I've never seen the doctor on the ship, but I have heard it is ridiculously priced. A haircut is usually 2-3 times the price of a cut at homne, even a man's haircut. I would not pay a couple or three hundred dollars for an eye exam on the ship.

I would not imagine that anybody who won't take an hour of their time at home to get their eyes checked will give up that hour while on vacation.

[SMB]

I really don't SEE the point of going to an Optometrist on a cruise ship. If you are in that bad of shape, then I'd go see a doc. at one of the ports of call. I mean, would you go on a cruise to get your teeth cleaned? Not to mention, I'm not sure I would want anyone near my eye on a rocking boat!

[refractor]

Thanks for your reply. I understand your concern with monetary issues. There are many hurdles, but if this project takes off, the estimated price will not be as elevated as the other services that you have noted. The doctors involved will primarily depend on cash transactions, but may accept Medicare. A "superbill" will be issued, so the patient can file the insurance on their own.

Thanks again for your reply.

Dr. Ron Kaiser