01 / Understand the roles

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?

An ophthalmologist has medical training that includes diagnosing and treating eye disease and performing eye surgery. An optometrist holds a Doctor of Optometry degree and provides examinations, vision correction, and eye health care within the scope of their licensure. An optician helps fit or dispense eyewear. These roles can work together in a patient’s care. [1]

At Azure Eye Center, David T. Truong, MD, is the ophthalmologist and cataract and refractive surgeon. Samantha Reynolds, OD, is a therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist. Knowing these roles helps you ask who will evaluate your concern and who will take part in your follow-up.

If you are unsure which visit to request, describe the problem to the scheduling team. You do not need to diagnose yourself before making an appointment.

02 / Relevant experience

Which credentials and experience should you discuss?

Start with the clinician’s professional background and the area of care you need. Dr. Truong is board-certified in ophthalmology and fellowship-trained in cornea and refractive surgery. Azure’s surgeon biography explains his training and clinical focus.

Credentials provide useful context, but they are only the beginning of a conversation. Ask how the clinician evaluates the concern you are bringing, what testing might be needed, and whether another specialist may need to be involved.

These questions help you understand the care process without relying on rankings, advertising language, or another patient’s result.

03 / Match the appointment

How does the right visit change with your concern?

Cataract concerns: explain what has changed about reading, driving, glare, or daily tasks. A cataract evaluation is the place to discuss whether a cataract explains your symptoms and whether treatment would help.

Vision correction: if you are exploring LASIK or EVO ICL, ask for a candidacy consultation. Bring your goals and prescription history rather than arriving committed to a procedure.

Corneal or other eye health concerns: tell the team about any previous diagnosis, treatment, or surgery. Azure provides cornea care and general ophthalmology; the team can help identify the appropriate next appointment.

A referral letter or previous records can make the first conversation more useful. Ask what to send ahead and bring the names of other clinicians involved in your care.

04 / Clear communication

What should a useful consultation leave you understanding?

You should be able to explain, in your own words, what the clinician found, what the available options are, and what happens next. If the plan includes surgery, ask about benefits, risks, alternatives, recovery, and costs before deciding.

Try writing down the answer to three questions: “What is the problem?”, “What are my choices?”, and “What is the next step?” If one answer is unclear, ask again. A family member or trusted friend may help you remember details, if you would like someone involved.

Also ask for an estimate of your financial responsibility and whether you need a referral or authorization from your insurance plan. The office can explain its process; your insurer can confirm your individual benefits.

05 / DFW appointment planning

How do Fort Worth and Colleyville fit your care plan?

Azure’s Fort Worth office is at 3900 N Tarrant Pkwy, Suite 104, Fort Worth, TX 76244. This location is an option for patients in North Fort Worth, Alliance, Keller, Haslet, Watauga, and Roanoke.

The Colleyville office is at 5203 Heritage Avenue, Colleyville, TX 76034. Patients from nearby Southlake, Grapevine, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, and North Richland Hills can discuss appointments there. Azure’s office locations are Fort Worth and Colleyville; confirm the specific location for each part of your care.

Think beyond the first visit when choosing an appointment. Consider transportation, work hours, a possible dilated examination, and the availability of someone to help after a procedure. Ask the team about these details before putting several appointments on your calendar.