Eye care professionals are essential for maintaining healthy vision and treating eye-related conditions. Optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, nurses, physician assistants, and technicians are all involved in providing eye care services. Optometrists are eye health specialists who focus on treating the eye, orbit, and visual systems. They medically manage many eye disorders and diseases that can affect a patient's vision.
Ophthalmologists are doctors of medicine (MD) or doctors of osteopathy (OD) with specific training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of eye and visual conditions. Opticians specialize in the adjustment of glasses, the selection of lenses, sunglasses, frames, optical aids, and simple magnification devices. Ophthalmologists are qualified to provide total eye care, including eye services, exams, medical care, surgery, and diagnosis and treatment of visual diseases. They can also perform laser eye procedures and foreign body removal.
Optometrists can also provide comprehensive care but usually manage late stage eye disease. Nurses, physician assistants, and technicians can specialize in eye care as well. They may provide services such as first aid for common conditions and injuries, such as corneal abrasions and foreign bodies. As the population ages, more optometrists will be needed to deal with increasing vision conditions.
An ophthalmologist is a doctor highly trained in allopathic medicine or osteopathy specializing in eye care and the medical field of ophthalmology. In the operating room, ophthalmologists can perform glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, LASIK surgery, refractive surgery to correct vision, correct infections or malformations of the tear duct, repair damaged retinas, corneal transplants, and manage eye trauma. Optometrists and ophthalmologists often work together to provide comprehensive eye care services. An ophthalmologist is qualified to take care of all your eye care needs if you have a serious eye problem that requires surgery or specialized treatment.
