Optometrists and ophthalmologists are two types of eye professionals who work together to provide comprehensive eye care. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who has completed college and at least eight years of additional medical training, and is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. They specialize in eye and vision care, and can diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgeries, and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. On the other hand, an optometrist is a doctor who has completed four years of optometry school, preceded by at least three years of college.
They are licensed to practice optometry, which primarily involves performing eye exams and tests, prescribing corrective lenses, detecting certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases. Plastic surgeons who specialize in ophthalmology can also repair damage to the eyelids, bones, or other structures around the eye and tear drainage system. When it comes to choosing between an ophthalmologist or an optometrist for your eye care needs, it's important to understand the differences between the two. An ophthalmologist is a physician who has completed advanced training in eye care and is licensed to practice medicine and surgery.
They are qualified to provide total eye care, that is, eye services, eye exams, medical and surgical eye care, and diagnosis and treatment of visual diseases and complications that are caused by other conditions. On the other hand, optometrists do not perform surgery and are not trained to care for and manage all eye diseases and disorders. They receive a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree after completing four years of optometry school, preceded by at least three years of college. It's important to note that these professionals can work together as a team to provide comprehensive eye care.
An ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform surgeries, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, while an optometrist can perform vision tests and corrections, detect certain eye abnormalities, prescribe medications for certain eye diseases. In some cases, a team approach may be the best option for your particular needs. It's important to note that these professionals can work together as a team to provide comprehensive eye care.
