Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Prolensa

If you've recently had cataract surgery — or you're preparing for one — your surgeon may recommend Prolensa (Bromfenac 0.07%) to control inflammation and pain afterward. But what if you need a new provider, a second opinion, or you've moved to a new area? Finding the right doctor doesn't have to be complicated.

This guide walks you through exactly how to find a prescriber for Prolensa near you in 2026, whether you have insurance or not.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Prolensa?

Prolensa is a prescription ophthalmic NSAID used specifically for postoperative inflammation after cataract extraction. Because of its specialized use, only certain providers typically prescribe it:

• Ophthalmologists — These are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in eye surgery and eye disease. If you're having cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist is the most likely prescriber.
• Optometrists — In many states, optometrists (ODs) can prescribe ophthalmic medications including Prolensa, especially for post-surgical co-management.

Your primary care doctor generally will not prescribe Prolensa, since it's tied to a surgical procedure. You'll need an eye care specialist.

How to Find a Provider

1. Use Your Insurance Directory

The fastest way to find an in-network eye doctor is through your insurance company's online provider directory. Log in to your plan's website or app, search for "ophthalmology" or "optometry," and filter by location. This ensures you'll get the best coverage for both the visit and the Prolensa prescription.

2. Search on Zocdoc

Zocdoc lets you search for ophthalmologists by location, insurance accepted, and availability. You can often book same-week appointments online. Search for "ophthalmologist" or "cataract surgery" in your area.

3. Ask for a Referral

Your primary care doctor can refer you to an ophthalmologist who performs cataract surgery. If you already have an optometrist, they can also refer you to a surgical specialist and may co-manage your postoperative care — including prescribing Prolensa.

4. Check Hospital and Surgery Center Websites

Many hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers list their ophthalmology staff online. If you know where you'd like to have surgery, start there and contact the department directly.

5. What About Telehealth?

Because Prolensa is used after eye surgery, telehealth is generally not an option for getting this prescription. You need an in-person surgical evaluation and postoperative exam. However, some follow-up consultations may be done virtually depending on your provider's practice.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

If you're seeing an ophthalmologist for the first time regarding cataract surgery, here's what to expect:

• A comprehensive eye exam — including visual acuity, slit-lamp exam, and measurements for an intraocular lens
• Discussion of your surgical plan — your doctor will explain the procedure, timeline, and postoperative medications
• Medication review — mention all medications you take, including blood thinners and other eye drops, since these can interact with Prolensa
• Insurance and cost discussion — ask the office about prior authorization requirements for Prolensa, since many plans require step therapy

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor why they're recommending Prolensa over other options like generic Ketorolac or Diclofenac eye drops. Understanding the reasoning helps you make informed decisions.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes a Prolensa prescription, you may run into availability issues. Prolensa has experienced intermittent supply disruptions, and not every pharmacy stocks it.

Here's what to do:

• Check stock before you go — Use Medfinder to see which pharmacies near you have Prolensa or generic Bromfenac in stock
• Ask about generic Bromfenac — Generic bromfenac 0.07% is often easier to find and costs significantly less ($80–$200 vs. $250–$450 for brand Prolensa)
• Look into savings programs — Bausch + Lomb may offer co-pay cards for commercially insured patients. See our guide to saving money on Prolensa
• Start early — Your doctor will want you to begin Prolensa the day after surgery, so fill the prescription before your procedure

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who prescribes Prolensa comes down to finding the right eye care specialist — usually the ophthalmologist who will perform (or has performed) your cataract surgery. Use your insurance directory, Zocdoc, or a referral from your current doctor to find a provider near you.

Once you have your prescription, check pharmacy availability ahead of time so you're ready to start treatment on schedule. And if cost is a concern, explore discount and assistance programs before you fill.

Ready to find Prolensa near you? Search Medfinder to check pharmacy stock in your area.