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Have you been to the eye doctor recently? Do you know if you saw an optometrist or an ophthalmologist? Do you know why you would choose one vs the other? If you answered no to most of these questions, you are not alone!
While choosing the right eye care professional is essential for maintaining optimal vision health, many patients are unsure about the differences between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. Both types of eye doctors provide important services, yet they have distinct roles and areas of expertise. In this blog post, we will outline the differences between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist as well as guide you in choosing the right eye doctor for your needs.
Understanding What an Optometrist Does
An optometrist is a primary care eye doctor that delivers essential vision care services to the population, and is recognized as a physician under Medicare but does not complete medical school or the licensing exam. Rather, an optometrist obtains a doctor of optometry after completing a relevant undergraduate education followed by four years of optometry college. Post-graduation from optometry college, most optometrists will complete an additional residency or training in an eye care specialty. As your vision and eye health primary care doctor, an optometrist preforms comprehensive eye exams and eye tests, diagnoses different eye diseases, conditions, and disorders, and can provide non-surgical treatments, depending on the condition and situation.
An optometrist can provide the following services:
- Glasses and contact lens prescriptions and fittings
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Low-vision habilitation
- Prescribe medication
- Pre- and post-surgery care
- Vision therapy
Understanding What an Ophthalmologist Does
While an optometrist is a general eye doctor, an ophthalmologist is a specialist eye doctor with advanced medical and surgical training. In order to become an ophthalmologist, an individual must complete an undergraduate degree, medical school, and four or more years of residency and surgical training. After passing the licensing exam, an ophthalmologist can preform eye surgery and consult on a broader range of eye conditions than a primary care optometrist. Most ophthalmologists will also complete a fellowship, or additional training, in a specific area of eye care in order to provide more targeted care. Many also perform scientific research to help advance new medications and methodologies for treating specific eye conditions. Most of the ophthalmologists at OCLI Vision are renowned in the community for pioneering new approaches to care in important areas like LASIK surgery and glaucoma based on their experience and scientific research.
An ophthalmologist can provide the following eye care services:
- Prescribe medication
- Perform eye exams
- Treat the area surrounding the eye
- Perform eye surgery for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, LASIK, and more
- Diagnose and treat complex eye conditions
Ophthalmologists may also be able to recognize diseases or conditions that impact the whole body, not just the eyes as they have extensive medical training. Vision care ophthalmology is key to achieving successful vision outcomes when faced with eye conditions and disorders.
What Are the Key Differences Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
Based on the different education and training an optometrist and an ophthalmologist must undergo, they are responsible for different aspects of eye care for patients. When it comes to getting eye glasses and comprehensive exams, most optometrists will perform these services. You can consider your optometrist your primary eye care provider as they will manage your vision health. However, if you have a complex eye condition that requires special care or consideration, an ophthalmologist will serve as your eye care specialist, providing treatment such as medications. Additionally, ophthalmologists will perform eye surgery while optometrists will provide pre- and post-surgery care. Most of the time, optometrists and ophthalmologists work closely together at the same office to provide comprehensive care for patients.
When Should You Book an Eye Appointment with an Optometrist vs an Ophthalmologist?
When you need an eye exam or a change to your eye glasses or contacts prescription, you should visit an optometrist. They are adept at prescribing corrective lenses and performing eye tests. They will be able to refer you to an ophthalmologist if there is anything more complex or serious going on with your eyes. If you are interested in vision correction surgery or suspect you have a complex eye condition, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts, among others, you should schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Is There a Time When You Will Need to See Both Eye Doctors?
There are plenty of scenarios when you will need to see both eye doctors, such as the ongoing management of eye diseases, when undergoing eye surgery and following up after surgery, if you have a family history of eye conditions, or if you notice concerning symptoms. Most optometrists and ophthalmologists will work in the same office to provide more comprehensive care, and make it easy to complete consultations with different patients that need both eye care professionals around.
Tips for Choosing the Right Eye Doctor Near Me
If you are still unsure of which eye doctor is the best to visit, consider these tips:
- Call the OCLI Vision team and we will ask you some questions and schedule you with the correct eye care professional.
- Ask your physician for a referral for eye specialists near me – Most physicians will understand your overall health situation and be able to suggest the appropriate eye care professional to see.
- Consider what your insurance provider will cover, and plan accordingly.
Looking for an eye exam near me? Contact the OCLI Vision team today!
