First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for the input which is much appreciated. The general ophthalmologist told me he can't tell me anything but urged me to see a retina specialist for a more in depth exam because I have -15 D in both eyes. The general ophthalmologist spent only a few minutes with me. The specialist I've seen took more time, he pushed a Q-tip against my sclera making sure he covered as much retina as he can, then he tells me some funky names of conditions I have but overall my retina is fine, no holes. Do you think I need only a general ophthalmologist?
A general ophthalmologist is fine for regular check-ups even for someone with a very high degree of myopia. You don't need to see a retinal specialist, because the general ophthalmologist is more than qualified to do a thorough dilated eye exam to make sure that nothing is wrong and even a refraction (which no retinal specialist does). If you ever were to have a retinal problem then the general ophthalmologist could spot it and give you the referral to see a retinal specialist. I don't know where you got the "general ophthalmologist can't do anything for me" line because it is totally false (even if your myopia is greater than -20D)!
The clinic already knew I have severe myopia from records they've kept of me. Why would I need to ask for a referral if they know I need to see a specialist for my degree of myopia? They already told me a general opthamalogist can't do anything for me.
Many retinal specialist will only see patients on referral.
Dr. O.
Your retina is fine you don't need to see a retinal specialist, unless you want to waste your money and time!
The general ophthalmologist can perform a dilated eye exam which should allow him to adequately view the retina and diagnose any problems (PVD, RD, PDR, etc.)and begin treatment if necessary.
By the way "a few minutes" is the most time most medical doctors are given with there patients.
Scleral indentation is not necessary at every exam even if you have lattice degeneration!
Just continue to get yearly exams with the general ophthalmologist and know the signs of a retinal detachment. And if you ever suspect a retinal detachment call the general ophthalmologist and get in ASAP he/she should be able to see if you've got a retinal detachment or if it's just PVD, or a tear which he/she may be qualified to treat via laser or cryopexy or you may at that point just get referred to a retinal specialist.