Finding a Doctor to Prescribe Bacitracin/Polymyxin B

If you have a bacterial eye infection — pink eye, blepharitis, or an irritated eye after a minor injury — you may need a prescription for Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment. Unlike the over-the-counter topical version you can pick up at any drugstore for cuts and scrapes, the ophthalmic (eye) form requires a doctor's prescription.

Finding the right provider doesn't have to be complicated. This guide walks you through which types of doctors prescribe Bacitracin/Polymyxin B, how to find one near you, and what to expect at your visit.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Bacitracin/Polymyxin B?

Several types of healthcare providers can prescribe Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment:

• Ophthalmologists — Eye doctors with medical degrees (MDs or DOs) who specialize in eye diseases and surgery. They are the most common prescribers for eye infections.
• Optometrists — Doctors of optometry (ODs) who can diagnose and treat many eye conditions, including bacterial conjunctivitis. In most states, optometrists can prescribe ophthalmic antibiotics like Bacitracin/Polymyxin B.
• Primary care physicians — Your family doctor or internist can diagnose common eye infections like pink eye and prescribe this ointment without referring you to a specialist.
• Pediatricians — For children with bacterial eye infections, your child's pediatrician can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
• Urgent care providers — If your regular doctor isn't available, urgent care clinics can evaluate eye infections and write prescriptions.
• Emergency medicine physicians — For severe eye symptoms or injuries, ER doctors can prescribe Bacitracin/Polymyxin B as part of your treatment.

For straightforward bacterial conjunctivitis, you typically don't need a specialist. Your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic can handle it. However, if you have recurring infections, vision changes, or a more complex condition like bacterial keratitis, an ophthalmologist is your best bet.

How to Find a Provider Near You

Here are the most effective ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Bacitracin/Polymyxin B in your area:

1. Check Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start with your insurance company's online directory. Log into your plan's website or app and search for in-network ophthalmologists, optometrists, or primary care doctors. This ensures you'll pay the lowest possible copay for your visit.

2. Use Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and WebMD's physician finder let you search by specialty, location, insurance accepted, and available appointments. You can often book same-day or next-day visits for urgent issues like eye infections.

3. Ask for a Referral

If your primary care doctor thinks you need a specialist — for example, for a complicated corneal infection — they can refer you to an ophthalmologist. Some insurance plans (especially HMOs) require a referral before seeing a specialist, so check your plan details first.

4. Try Telehealth

Many eye infections can be diagnosed through a video visit. Telehealth platforms like Teladoc, Amwell, and MDLIVE connect you with licensed doctors who can evaluate your symptoms and send a prescription to your pharmacy — often within an hour. This is especially convenient if you're experiencing mild pink eye symptoms and want to avoid waiting for an in-office appointment.

Keep in mind that some telehealth providers may prefer to prescribe antibiotic eye drops rather than ointment, since drops are more commonly stocked. If your doctor specifically recommends the ointment form, make sure to mention that during your visit.

5. Visit an Urgent Care Clinic

Most urgent care clinics can diagnose and treat common bacterial eye infections on a walk-in basis. Wait times are generally shorter than the ER, and costs are lower too. Many now accept most insurance plans.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you visit a doctor for a suspected bacterial eye infection, here's what typically happens:

1. Symptom review — The doctor will ask about your symptoms: redness, discharge, itching, pain, vision changes, and how long they've been going on.
2. Eye examination — They'll look at your eyes using a light (and sometimes a slit lamp if you're seeing an eye specialist) to assess the infection.
3. Diagnosis — Most bacterial eye infections can be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the exam. In some cases, the doctor may take a culture to identify the specific bacteria.
4. Prescription — If Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment is appropriate, they'll send the prescription to your pharmacy electronically.

The appointment usually takes 15-30 minutes. Be sure to mention any allergies (especially to antibiotics), other medications you're using, and whether you wear contact lenses.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor prescribes Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment, you'll need to fill it at a pharmacy. Here are a few things to know:

• Availability: There's currently a shortage of bacitracin ophthalmic products, so your pharmacy may need to order it or check stock. You can use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock.
• Cost: Without insurance, the ophthalmic ointment runs about $50-$70 at retail price, but discount coupons can bring the price down to $13-$25. Check out our guide to saving money on Bacitracin/Polymyxin B for coupon options.
• Alternatives: If the ointment isn't available, ask your doctor about alternatives like Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment or Tobramycin drops.

Final Thoughts

Getting a prescription for Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment is straightforward. Most primary care doctors, optometrists, and ophthalmologists can prescribe it during a routine visit. If convenience is a priority, telehealth is a fast option for common bacterial eye infections.

The trickier part right now may be finding a pharmacy that has it in stock due to the ongoing shortage. Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with Bacitracin/Polymyxin B available near you — so you're not calling around or driving from store to store.