How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Eyemycin Near You [2026 Guide]

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (Eyemycin) is a prescription medication — you can't purchase it over the counter. If you have a bacterial eye infection or need it for another reason, you'll need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The good news: many types of providers can prescribe it, and telehealth has made it easier than ever to get a prescription quickly.

Is Eyemycin a Controlled Substance?

No. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is not a controlled substance and is not assigned a DEA schedule. This means any licensed prescriber can write for it without special DEA registration requirements, and it can be prescribed via telehealth without the additional restrictions that apply to controlled medications.

What Types of Doctors Can Prescribe Eyemycin?

Because erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is an antibiotic without special prescribing requirements, a wide range of healthcare providers can prescribe it:

Ophthalmologists (eye doctors, MD/DO): Specialists in eye health; ideal for complex or recurrent eye infections, blepharitis, or corneal involvement

Optometrists (OD): In most U.S. states, optometrists are licensed to prescribe topical antibiotics including erythromycin ophthalmic ointment for eye infections

Primary care physicians (MD/DO, family medicine, internal medicine): Can diagnose and treat mild conjunctivitis and prescribe erythromycin; appropriate for uncomplicated infections in adults and older children

Pediatricians: Frequently prescribe erythromycin ophthalmic ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis in children; also administer it to newborns as standard prophylaxis at birth

OB-GYNs and midwives: Routinely administer erythromycin ointment to newborns in the delivery room as required by law in most states; may also prescribe it for patients with eye infections

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs): Have prescribing authority in all 50 states for non-controlled medications like erythromycin ophthalmic; commonly see patients with conjunctivitis in urgent care settings

Emergency medicine physicians and urgent care providers: Can diagnose and treat bacterial conjunctivitis; often the first point of contact for patients with acute eye infections

Can I Get a Prescription for Eyemycin via Telehealth?

Yes. Because erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed through a telehealth consultation in most states. Telehealth platforms that offer same-day or next-day appointments for eye infections include:

RedBox Rx: Offers telehealth consultations for pink eye and can send prescriptions to a local pharmacy or ship directly to you

Teladoc, MDLive, PlushCare: Major telehealth platforms where primary care providers can evaluate eye infection symptoms and prescribe appropriate antibiotics

Insurance-integrated telehealth: Many insurers (Aetna, BCBS, UnitedHealth) include telehealth benefits that allow you to see a provider at little or no cost

Important: Telehealth is most appropriate for mild-to-moderate bacterial conjunctivitis. If you have vision changes, severe pain, photophobia, or suspect a corneal ulcer, seek in-person evaluation from an ophthalmologist immediately.

How to Find an Eye Doctor Near You

BCBS / Aetna / UHC provider directory: Search your insurance plan's provider directory for in-network ophthalmologists and optometrists

American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org): Has a 'Find an Ophthalmologist' tool to locate board-certified eye doctors near you

Urgent care or retail clinic: For simple conjunctivitis when your regular provider isn't available, urgent care centers can evaluate and prescribe

Once You Have Your Prescription

Remember: getting the prescription is only half the battle. Due to the ongoing shortage of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, your pharmacy may not have it in stock. Use medfinder to find which pharmacies near you carry it. Or read our guide on how to find Eyemycin in stock for step-by-step tips.