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

Nevanac (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension) is a prescription eye drop that can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed medical provider. Unlike some medications that primary care doctors or urgent care providers might prescribe, Nevanac is specifically tied to cataract surgery — which means the type of provider who can help you is relatively specific.

Who Prescribes Nevanac?

Nevanac is almost exclusively prescribed by ophthalmologists — specifically those who perform cataract surgery. Because the drug is FDA-approved for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery, it's part of the standard post-operative eye drop protocol ordered by the operating surgeon or their supervising physician.

In some states, licensed optometrists may also prescribe topical ophthalmic NSAIDs including Nevanac, particularly if they are co-managing post-operative care alongside an ophthalmologist.

Types of Providers Who May Prescribe Nevanac

Ophthalmologists (MD/DO): Medical doctors specializing in eye care and surgery — the primary prescribers of Nevanac

Optometrists (OD): Can prescribe topical ophthalmic medications including NSAIDs in most US states; often involved in post-op co-management

Ophthalmic nurse practitioners (NP) or physician assistants (PA): May prescribe under supervision in ophthalmology practices — common in high-volume surgical settings

Can My Primary Care Doctor Prescribe Nevanac?

Technically, any licensed prescriber could write a prescription for Nevanac — it is not a controlled substance and doesn't require specialist-only prescribing authority. However, primary care physicians rarely prescribe ophthalmic NSAIDs in the context of cataract surgery because that care is managed exclusively by the operating ophthalmologist. If your surgical team prescribes Nevanac, the prescription should come from them or from a co-managing optometrist.

How to Find an Ophthalmologist Who Performs Cataract Surgery

If you've been diagnosed with cataracts and haven't yet been referred to a surgeon, here's how to find one:

Ask your optometrist or primary care doctor for a referral. Most patients are referred to ophthalmologists by their existing eye care provider.

Use the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Find a Doctor tool. The AAO's physician locator at aao.org allows you to search for ophthalmologists by location and specialty.

Check your insurance's provider directory. Search your insurance plan's online directory for in-network ophthalmologists to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

Look for hospital-affiliated eye surgery centers. Academic medical centers and large eye surgery centers often have strong access to post-operative medications.

Is Nevanac Available Through Telehealth?

Nevanac is not typically prescribed through telehealth. Because it's specifically indicated for perioperative cataract surgery care, the prescribing physician must be the surgeon managing your procedure. Cataract surgery evaluation and surgery itself cannot be conducted remotely. Post-operative check-up visits may be offered via telehealth at some practices, and a co-managing optometrist might renew a Nevanac prescription via a virtual visit — but this is uncommon.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you see an ophthalmologist for a cataract evaluation, expect a comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, dilated eye exam, and biometry (measurements for your intraocular lens implant). If surgery is recommended, you'll receive your pre-operative and post-operative eye drop prescriptions — typically including Nevanac or a comparable NSAID — at or before your pre-surgical appointment.

The Bottom Line

Nevanac is prescribed by ophthalmologists and co-managing optometrists as part of cataract surgery care. If you haven't been referred to an ophthalmologist yet, start with your primary care doctor or optometrist. Once you have your prescription, use medfinder to find the nearest pharmacy with it in stock. For more information about the medication itself, read What Is Nevanac? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026.