Eye Doctors & Ophthalmologists

So, let's say you head to an eye doctor or an ophthalmologist, but they can't—or just won't—give you straight answers to certain specific questions. We're talking everything from basic stuff about eye shape and glasses fittings to more niche things like whether those pinhole glasses actually work. Who do you turn to then?

p.s. Maybe try reaching out to a university professor? 🙂

thx

This is separate from the previous topic, but it relates to ophthalmology. When I noticed my vision was blurring, I went to an eye doctor who prescribed these specs:
R.E. +0.75 cyl -0.25
L.E. +0.75 cyl -0.50
I had glasses made based on those numbers and saw perfectly fine until I smashed them.
So, I decided to get a new pair at a local optometrist where the doctor provides free exams. I went through the motions again, but they gave me a completely different prescription:
R.E. 0.00 cyl +0.50
L.E. 0.00 cyl +0.25
I ended up going with this second option and I'm happy with it.
It’s just not clicking for me—what is the actual difference between a negative "-" and a positive "+" cylinder?