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

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is a prescription-only medication used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. You cannot purchase it over the counter. Getting a latanoprost prescription requires seeing a qualified eye care provider — but the good news is that several types of providers can prescribe it, and telehealth options are increasingly available.

Who Can Prescribe Latanoprost?

Latanoprost is not a controlled substance, so there are no federal DEA scheduling restrictions on who can prescribe it. The following licensed providers can write a latanoprost prescription:

Ophthalmologists (MD or DO). Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in eye care and surgery. They are the most common prescribers of latanoprost. For a new glaucoma diagnosis, an ophthalmologist is typically the initial and ongoing prescriber.

Optometrists (OD). In most US states, licensed optometrists are authorized to diagnose and treat glaucoma and prescribe latanoprost and other prostaglandin analogues. Optometrists are often more numerous and accessible than ophthalmologists. According to prescribing data, both ophthalmologists and optometrists prescribe latanoprost as their most common glaucoma medication.

Primary care physicians and internists. PCPs can write latanoprost prescriptions for established glaucoma patients, though most will refer new diagnoses to an ophthalmologist for initial evaluation.

Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA). NPs and PAs can prescribe latanoprost in most states, particularly those working in ophthalmology or optometry practices.

How to Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

To find an ophthalmologist who accepts your insurance and is accepting new patients:

Use your insurance plan's provider finder tool (most plans have a website or app)

Search the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Find an Eye MD directory at aao.org

Ask your primary care physician for a referral — often the fastest path to a new patient appointment

Search Healthgrades, Zocdoc, or US News Find a Doctor, filtering by 'Ophthalmology' and 'accepting new patients'

How to Find an Optometrist for Glaucoma Near You

Optometrists are often easier to see quickly and may have more availability. To find one near you:

Use the American Optometric Association's doctor finder at aoa.org

Vision insurance carrier directories (VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision) list in-network optometrists

Retail locations (LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Target Optical, Walmart Vision) often have affiliated optometrists

Can I Get a Latanoprost Prescription via Telehealth?

Telehealth for latanoprost is available but has limitations. Because glaucoma diagnosis requires measuring intraocular pressure and examining the optic nerve (tests that cannot be done remotely), telehealth is not suitable for an initial glaucoma diagnosis. However, for established glaucoma patients with a known diagnosis, some telehealth platforms allow refill prescriptions for latanoprost after a brief virtual consultation.

For the safest ongoing care, visit your ophthalmologist or optometrist for in-person IOP monitoring at the frequency they recommend — typically every 3–12 months depending on disease stability.

Once You Have a Prescription: Finding Your Pharmacy

Once you have your prescription, locating latanoprost in stock is the next step. Use medfinder to find pharmacies near you that currently stock it. For step-by-step pharmacy search tips, see our guide: How to find latanoprost in stock near you.