Huh, interesting, OK. The only optometrist I know is also a PharmD, so that never really came into play. Thanks for the info. 
I did this last week - except I went to our local walk-in urgent care clinic (that’s fully covered by BC/BS, thankfully). Doc looks at me and sez, “What can we help you with?” to which I responded, “I think I have bacterial conjunctivitis.” He asks me all the questions: Itchy? Check. Redness? Check. Grittiness? Check. Crusting of the eye? OMG YES CHECK.
Flashes his penlight in my eye to check things out, then asks one final question: “Anyone else at home have this?” “No,” I responded… and then after a pause, “Not yet.” That was good for a chuckle from us both.
Got me a scrip for Tobradex which worked just beeeeyoutifully. I got it at the local CVS and put the drops in my eye right there in the car.
The other eye acted up the next day. It was drops in both eyes 3x a day for the next week. You couldn’t even tell I had Pink Eye, the drops worked so well.
I used to work in a minor emergency clinic (“doc-in-a-box”). One Saturday afternoon, I had to tell the senior pastor of a very large church that he had pink eye and would be contagious for 24 hours. I told him he could preach, but he could not stand at the door and shake hands with all of the church members. He was not happy.
Interestingly enough, I have never had pink eye. Ever. And I touch my eyes often. goes and knocks on wood
Neither had I. Made it through childhood, raising kids, and now have a 10 y.o. grandson… and up until last week, I’d never had the stuff.
I do like my brand new eye makeup and applicators, though. :: grumble ::
I’ve had pink eye in the past and I think it might be due to wearing contact lenses all the time. I’ve gone back to wearing them only for special occasions and my glasses all the time.
Gah. Crusty, runny, itchy nastyness. Get well soon WhyNot!!!
Never had pink eye either (well, maybe during childhood but if so I don’t recall) and considering where I work, I’m glad!
My husband’s bout with keratitis was brought on by a combination of wearing contacts and visiting his mother in the hospital. He picked up some nasty bacteria while there and got it into his eye via whatever usual means. He wears contacts still (barring the time period where they told him to avoid them) but mostly just for work.
Had pinkeye once, about 15 years ago. I think I got it from my bro, who had some leftover meds for me to use. Dayum, it’s irritating…but great to have the med on hand.
Too bad the OP didn’t get it two months ago. Could have made part of a great Halloween horror getup.
Oh, that would have been perfect! Better looking like a red-eyed zombie at Halloween than a wasted party girl at New Year’s Eve! 
I don’t think it’s terribly common to get it past childhood if you’re not around little kids. The only time I ever got it was as a senior in high school, and I volunteered with 3rd graders once a week back then. The only adult (early 20s) I know who got it was working with small fry at the time as well.