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

Nepafenac (Nevanac or Ilevro) is a prescription eye drop used to control pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. It's not a medication you'll find prescribed for general conditions — it's tightly linked to surgical eye care. Here's everything you need to know about who can prescribe it and how to find the right provider.

What Kind of Doctor Prescribes Nepafenac?

Nepafenac is most commonly prescribed by:

• Ophthalmologists: Medical doctors who perform cataract surgery. They are the primary prescribers of Nepafenac and will typically include it as part of your post-operative eye drop regimen.
• Optometrists (ODs): In most U.S. states, optometrists are licensed to prescribe topical ophthalmic medications including NSAIDs like Nepafenac. In co-management arrangements, the optometrist often manages post-operative care while the ophthalmologist performs the surgery. They may prescribe or refill Nepafenac during the recovery period.
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs): In ophthalmology practices, NPs and PAs with prescriptive authority can write or refill prescriptions for Nepafenac in many states.

Is Nepafenac a Controlled Substance?

No. Nepafenac is not a controlled substance. There are no DEA scheduling restrictions on who can prescribe it, and no special prescribing registration is required. Any licensed prescriber with the appropriate scope of practice for ophthalmic medications can write a prescription for Nepafenac.

How to Find an Ophthalmologist Who Performs Cataract Surgery Near You

If you've been told you need cataract surgery and need a surgeon, here are the best ways to find one:

1. Ask your primary care physician for a referral. Most PCPs have established referral relationships with local ophthalmology practices and can recommend a surgeon.
2. Use your insurance company's provider directory to find in-network ophthalmologists who specialize in anterior segment surgery (cataracts).
3. Search the American Academy of Ophthalmology's online Find an Eye MD tool at aao.org, which lets you search by specialty and location.
4. Check review sites like Healthgrades, Zocdoc, or US News Health to compare ophthalmologists by patient reviews and procedure volume.

What if I Already Have a Prescription and Just Need a Refill?

Nepafenac is prescribed for a short, defined post-surgical period — typically 2 weeks. Your ophthalmologist or co-managing optometrist will determine whether you need additional doses beyond that. If you need a refill or an adjusted course, contact your prescribing provider directly. Do not use this medication longer than prescribed without medical supervision, as extended use beyond 14 days post-surgery increases the risk of corneal adverse effects.

Can Telehealth Prescribe Nepafenac?

Generally, no. Nepafenac is prescribed as part of the perioperative care regimen for cataract surgery — a procedure that requires in-person assessment, biometry measurements, and surgical planning. The initial prescription is written at a pre-operative in-person visit.

Telehealth may play a role in post-operative follow-up (e.g., monitoring vision recovery remotely), but refilling Nepafenac or assessing for complications like keratitis or corneal issues requires slit-lamp examination, which can only be done in-person.

When Should I See a Doctor If I'm Already Using Nepafenac?

Contact your ophthalmologist or optometrist right away if you experience:

• Worsening eye pain or increased redness after surgery
• Sudden or significant change in vision
• Signs of eye infection (discharge, crusty eyelids, significant light sensitivity)
• Blood spots visible in the white part of your eye
• Any corneal symptoms like haziness, foreign body sensation that worsens, or tearing

The Bottom Line

Nepafenac is prescribed exclusively in the context of surgical eye care — primarily by ophthalmologists who perform cataract surgery, with post-op management sometimes co-managed by optometrists. It is not a controlled substance, so any qualified eye care prescriber can write the prescription. Once you have the prescription, use medfinder to help you find a pharmacy that has it in stock near you.

Read next: What Is Nepafenac? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026