Eye Exam: Optometrist or ophthalmologist?

Eye Exam by Optometrist or Ophthalmologist

What You Need to Know

Are you unsure whether to book an eye exam with an optometrist or an ophthalmologist? At Zeker Zicht, we help you take the right first step. Our independent optometrists offer medical-grade eye exams, without the wait. If specialist care is needed, we refer you directly to an ophthalmologist.

man behind slit lamp examination
Comprehensive Eye Exam
Comprehensive Eye Exam
We go beyond a simple eye exam to detect potential problems early.
Personal attention
Personal attention
We take the time to understand your needs and create a personalized treatment plan.
Modern equipment
Modern equipment
We have the latest equipment to make an accurate diagnosis.
Child-friendly practice
Child-friendly practice
We make your eye exam a pleasant experience for the whole family.
eye exam women with dark hair

Start With the Right Eye Exam

choose for an experience optometrist

When it comes to your vision, it’s not always clear who to see first. If you’re experiencing blurry vision, eye strain, discomfort, or just need a regular check-up, an eye exam by an optometrist is often the best place to begin.

Our optometrists are trained to detect eye conditions early, manage vision problems, and refer you promptly if medical treatment by an ophthalmologist is required.

When to See an Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist

ConcernStart With
Blurry vision, tired eyesOptometrist
Suspected cataract or glaucomaOptometrist → referral if needed
Eye infection or injuryOphthalmologist (via referral)
Regular eye health checkOptometrist

Still unsure? Our team can advise you during your visit — with no obligation and no sales pressure.

FAQ's

If your child is 8 years old, they can visit the optometrist for a complete eye exam within 1 to 2 weeks. If they need to see an eye doctor, they will be referred immediately.

This depends on the type of appointment and the eye complaints. For a contact lens check or a dry eye examination, it takes approximately 15-20 minutes. If you have other eye complaints that need further investigation with an eye scan or an eye microscope, your eyes will be dilated, and the total duration will be 1 hour: 15 minutes for the examination, 30 minutes waiting for the drops to take effect, plus another 15 minutes for additional tests.

This depends on the type of appointment. If you don’t have a referral letter, you can read more about the costs per appointment type via this link.

If you have a digital referral (ZorgDomein), you pay nothing.

With a paper referral (not via ZorgDomein), you pay approximately €70 from your insurance deductible and €30 out of pocket.

If you have a digital referral letter, you will soon receive a call from the appointment scheduler at Huisarts+Punt to schedule your appointment.

If you have a paper referral letter (not via ZorgDomein), you can directly schedule an appointment.

Sure! Without a referral letter, you can make an appointment directly. Based on your symptoms, you can choose the type of appointment you need.

Your pupil or iris will be strongly dilated, which may cause sensitivity to bright light. Additionally, your near vision will typically become blurry, depending on your refractive error (minus, plus, cylinder). Some individuals may also experience blurry distance vision. Adults wearing multifocal glasses do not experience blurry vision but may still be sensitive to bright light.

This depends on the amount of pigment cells in your iris. For light-colored eyes, the effect typically fades after 3-6 hours. With darker eyes, it can range from 6 hours to a week. The darker the eyes, the longer the eye symptoms persist.

Due to dilated pupils after the appointment, your vision is usually blurry and more sensitive to light. Therefore, driving is not recommended. Cycling at a normal speed is permitted.

No, eye drops or dyes are used that can change the color or composition of the lenses. Additionally, sometimes it’s necessary to assess the surface of the cornea without lenses. Please bring a lens case and, if possible, your glasses.

Then you will be referred directly to the ophthalmologist, or your general practitioner will be advised to refer you to another medical specialist. This will be discussed with you.

Unfortunately not! Can’t find a place where you can be helped? Call us! We can advise you to a CBR examination center in your neighborhood.

Only with a referral from your GP, we conduct a comprehensive eye examination including a diabetes eye check. For fundus photos, your GP refers you to an ophthalmology assistant who takes and evaluates these photos. Please consult your GP.

Vladimir C
10:30 24 May 25
Great experience at Zeker Zicht. The staff were super professional, friendly, and clearly know what they’re doing. The eye exam was thorough, and I felt well taken care of. Highly recommend!
K N
13:11 19 May 25
Very professional and friendly help from Sylvia.Product: Eye exam.
SnelleVingers A.
10:12 12 May 25
After my request, Silvia did an extensive eye examination and eye test and took her time for the examination.Very short waiting times and thorough research.Worth 5 stars.
Maarten Jan van de V.
11:01 23 Apr 25
Very expert and clear research. Clearly in good and reliable hands. And how nice that I was able to contact you so quickly. Thanks!
Marieke de L.
15:58 20 Apr 25
Very pleasant help. Took all the time and received good explanations.Highly recommended!
Balázs Zita K.
09:28 10 Apr 25
Excellent experience with Silvia, she is very thorough, kind and patient. She answered all of my questions with care, and I felt in very good hands during the eye examination. Thank you!
Julio Álvarez P.
17:14 04 Apr 25
Silvia was such an amazing professional, she really took the time to advice and explain every aspect of my eye checkcup, I highly recommend her!
I. R.
09:59 26 Mar 25
Referred from the GP to Zeker Zicht instead of to the hospital. Worked fine. There was a place quickly, I was helped well and the tips I received helped with the complaints.
Amsterdam N.
14:10 24 Mar 25
Good consultation from Sylvia, expert woman. Various measurement analyses. Highly recommended! Gracias!
Sebastian G.
11:18 09 Mar 25
I had a complete visit with Silvia, who was super kind, welcoming and professional. She took her time to visit me, and explained each step. 100% recommend!
Valerie T.
14:33 01 Mar 25
excellent experience with this doctor! I had eye exam and prescription. Professional, experienced, and very informative, reasonably priced!
Rudi
17:15 14 Feb 25
Very thorough eye exam, better than a regular one. You also get professional advice afterwards. Very recommended!
optometric practice amsterdam

Visit Our Amsterdam Eye Care Center

Zeker Zicht is located in the Zorgplein Health Center in Amsterdam. We’re easy to reach by public transport (3-minute walk) or car (underground parking available). The building is fully accessible by elevator and escalator.

We offer:

  • No referral needed

  • No waiting list

  • Medical-grade eye exams

  • Fast communication with GPs and ophthalmologists

Are you experiencing sudden and severe eye problems? CALL your doctor or emergency medical services immediately! You can also call us for advice.
Read more about alarm symptoms.

020-2101228

Book Your Eye Exam Today

Take the first step toward clearer vision and peace of mind.

Whether you need a routine exam or are worried about a specific issue, our optometrists are ready to help.

📞 Call us or use our online booking tool to schedule your eye exam today — no referral required.

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