Finding the Right Doctor for a Trifluridine Prescription

Trifluridine (brand name Viroptic) is a prescription antiviral eye drop used to treat herpes simplex keratitis — a viral infection of the cornea. Unlike many medications you can get from your primary care doctor or through telehealth, Trifluridine typically requires a specialist who can examine your eye with specialized equipment. If you've been told you need this medication, finding the right provider is the first step toward treatment.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Trifluridine?

Trifluridine is most commonly prescribed by:

• Ophthalmologists — Medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in eye diseases and surgery. They are the most common prescribers of Trifluridine because herpes simplex keratitis requires a slit-lamp examination and careful monitoring of the cornea.
• Optometrists — Doctors of Optometry (ODs) who are licensed in many states to prescribe ophthalmic medications, including antivirals like Trifluridine.
• Emergency medicine physicians — In urgent situations, ER doctors may diagnose herpetic keratitis and prescribe Trifluridine to begin treatment before you can see a specialist.

In most cases, you'll want to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist who has experience managing corneal infections. Herpes simplex keratitis can cause permanent vision damage if not treated properly, so specialist care is important.

How to Find a Provider Near You

1. Use Your Insurance Directory

The fastest way to find a covered provider is through your insurance plan's online directory. Log in to your insurer's website or app, search for "ophthalmology" or "optometry," and filter by providers accepting new patients. This ensures your visit will be covered at in-network rates.

2. Search on Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and WebMD's physician finder let you search for ophthalmologists by location, insurance accepted, and availability. Zocdoc is particularly helpful because you can book appointments online and see real-time availability.

3. Ask for a Referral

If you have a primary care doctor, ask for a referral to an ophthalmologist. Some insurance plans (especially HMOs) require a referral before seeing a specialist. Your PCP may also be able to get you an urgent appointment if you're experiencing active symptoms like eye pain, redness, or vision changes.

4. Contact Your Local Hospital or Academic Medical Center

University-affiliated eye clinics and hospital ophthalmology departments often have cornea specialists on staff. These providers see herpetic keratitis regularly and are well-equipped to manage treatment with Trifluridine.

5. A Note About Telehealth

Trifluridine is not well-suited for telehealth prescribing. Diagnosing herpes simplex keratitis requires a slit-lamp examination — a specialized microscope that lets the doctor see the surface of your cornea in detail. A video call simply cannot replace this. If you suspect you have a herpetic eye infection, you need an in-person visit.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you see the eye doctor for a possible herpes simplex keratitis diagnosis, here's what typically happens:

• Medical history review — The doctor will ask about your symptoms, any previous cold sores or herpes infections, and your overall health.
• Slit-lamp examination — This painless exam uses a specialized microscope with a bright light to examine the surface of your cornea. The doctor may use fluorescein dye (orange eye drops) that makes corneal ulcers glow under blue light.
• Diagnosis — Herpes simplex keratitis produces a characteristic branching (dendritic) pattern on the cornea that's visible under the slit lamp.
• Treatment plan — If diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe Trifluridine 1% ophthalmic solution. The typical regimen is one drop every 2 hours while awake (up to 9 drops per day) until the corneal ulcer has healed, followed by one drop every 4 hours for 7 more days.

The entire appointment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have a Trifluridine prescription, you'll need to fill it at a pharmacy. A few things to keep in mind:

• Availability can be limited. Trifluridine has experienced intermittent supply disruptions because only a few manufacturers produce it. If your usual pharmacy doesn't have it in stock, check our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Trifluridine in stock.
• Cost without insurance can be high. The cash price for a 7.5 mL bottle runs $300 to $400, though discount coupons can bring it down to around $201. See our article on how to save money on Trifluridine for tips.
• Refrigerate your drops. Trifluridine must be stored at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keep it in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
• Follow up as directed. Your doctor will likely want to recheck your eye within a few days to make sure the infection is responding to treatment.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who can prescribe Trifluridine starts with understanding that this medication requires specialist care. An ophthalmologist or optometrist with experience in corneal infections is your best bet. Use your insurance directory, online search tools, or a referral from your primary care doctor to find one near you — and don't delay, because herpes simplex keratitis needs prompt treatment to protect your vision.

Need help locating Trifluridine at a pharmacy near you? Visit Medfinder to check real-time availability.