Need an Eylea prescription? Learn which doctors prescribe Eylea, how to find a retina specialist near you, and what to expect at your first appointment.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition like wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema, or retinal vein occlusion, your doctor may have mentioned Eylea as a treatment option. But Eylea isn't something you can pick up at a regular pharmacy — it's an injection given directly in the eye by a specialist.
That means finding the right doctor is your first step. This guide walks you through exactly what type of provider you need, how to find one near you, and what to expect at your appointment.
Eylea (aflibercept) is an intravitreal injection, meaning it's delivered directly into the eye. Because of this, only certain specialists can prescribe and administer it.
A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who completed additional fellowship training focused on diseases of the retina and vitreous. These doctors are the primary prescribers of Eylea. They diagnose and treat conditions like wet AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema — all conditions that Eylea is FDA-approved to treat.
Some general ophthalmologists also administer Eylea injections, particularly in areas where retina specialists are scarce. However, for complex retinal conditions, a retina specialist is usually preferred.
No. Optometrists can diagnose eye conditions and refer you to a specialist, but they cannot administer intravitreal injections like Eylea. If your optometrist suspects you need Eylea, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist or retina specialist.
Here are the most reliable ways to locate a doctor who can prescribe and administer Eylea in your area.
If you already see an optometrist or ophthalmologist, ask them for a referral to a retina specialist. They likely have professional connections and can point you to someone they trust.
At medfinder.com, you can search for providers and pharmacies that carry specific medications, including Eylea. It's a fast way to see which practices in your area have Eylea available.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has a "Find an Ophthalmologist" tool on their website. You can search by location and subspecialty (retina) to find qualified doctors near you.
The ASRS maintains a directory of retina specialists across the country. This is one of the best resources if you specifically want a fellowship-trained retina doctor.
Regeneron, the manufacturer of Eylea, operates the Eylea4U support program. They can help you find doctors who prescribe Eylea and connect you with financial assistance resources.
Your insurer can provide a list of in-network retina specialists. Since Eylea is typically billed under your medical benefit (not pharmacy), make sure you ask about medical specialists, not just pharmacies.
Knowing what to expect can ease a lot of anxiety. Here's a general overview of your first visit with a retina specialist.
The doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam, including:
Based on these tests, your doctor will confirm your diagnosis and discuss treatment options. If Eylea is recommended, they'll explain the injection schedule. For wet AMD, this typically means one injection every 4 weeks for the first 3 months, then every 8 weeks after that.
Many doctors will administer the first Eylea injection on the same day as your initial evaluation, though some prefer to schedule it separately. The injection itself takes only a few seconds. Your eye will be numbed beforehand, so most patients report feeling only mild pressure.
Learn more about what to expect from treatment in our guide on Eylea side effects.
Once your doctor prescribes Eylea, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Eylea is generally covered under your medical benefit (not your pharmacy benefit) because it's administered by a doctor. Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, cover Eylea, but prior authorization is commonly required. Some plans may also require step therapy — meaning they want you to try a less expensive option like Avastin (bevacizumab) first.
Your doctor's office usually handles prior authorization for you, but it can take a few days to a few weeks.
Without insurance, Eylea costs roughly $1,800 to $2,200 per injection. With Medicare Part B, you'd typically pay about 20% coinsurance. Commercial insurance copays vary. Check out our full guide on how to save money on Eylea for copay cards and patient assistance options.
Eylea has experienced intermittent supply constraints in recent years. If your doctor's office doesn't have Eylea in stock, use medfinder.com to find nearby locations that do.
Eylea treatment is ongoing. Most patients need injections every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their condition and response. Missing appointments can lead to vision loss, so it's important to stay on schedule.
Retina specialists tend to be concentrated in urban and suburban areas. If you live in a rural community, here are some tips:
Finding the right doctor to prescribe Eylea is a critical first step in protecting your vision. Start with a referral from your current eye doctor, use directories from the AAO and ASRS, and check medfinder.com to see which providers near you carry Eylea.
If cost is a concern, explore savings programs and financial assistance. And if Eylea is hard to find, our guide on checking pharmacy stock can help you locate it faster.
Your vision matters. Don't wait to get the care you need.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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