There are two main types of eye doctors: ophthalmologists and optometrists. Confused about which is which and who does what? Here's a look at how they're different. Keep in mind that these professionals can work together and that a team approach can be the best option for eye care.
Ophthalmologist: Medical and Surgical Eye Care
They went to medical school. After that, they had a 1-year internship and a residency of 3 years. That's sometimes followed by a 1 to 2 years fellowship.
They offer complete eye care services:
- Vision services, including eye exams
- Medical eye care -- for conditions like glaucoma, iritis, and chemical burns
- Surgical eye care -- for trauma, crossed eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and other problems
- Diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions related to other diseases, like diabetes or arthritis
- Plastic surgery -- to raise droopy eyelids or smooth out wrinkles
Optometrist (OD): Vision Care and Eye Care Services
Optometrists take care of primary health care for the eye. After college, they spent 4 years in a professional program and got a doctor of optometry degree. Some optometrists get additional clinical training or complete a specialty fellowship after optometry school. They focus on regular vision care and they:
- Perform eye exams and vision tests.
- Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Monitor medically related eye conditions related to diseases like diabetes
- Manage and treat conditions like Dry Eye and glaucoma
- Provide low-vision aids and vision therapy
Optometrists and ophthalmologists often work together to take care of you.
Optician: Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
Opticians aren’t eye doctors and can’t give eye exams. They get a 1- or 2-year degree, certificate, or diploma. They fill the prescription your eye doctor gives you. They also:
- Check lens prescriptions
- Provide, adjust, and repair glasses, frames, and contact lenses
- Take facial measurements
- Help decide which type of lenses and frames will work best
- Order and check products, including contacts and eyeglass lenses
How to Choose an Eye Doctor
One type isn’t automatically better than the other. The right choice depends on your needs. The best eye doctor for you should be:
- Recommended by your doctor, friends, or family
- Someone you like and trust
A good rule of thumb would be:
- For primary eye care, you may wish to start with an Optometrist. From there, they may refer you to an Ophthalmologist if needed
- If you think you need eye surgery for cataracts, glaucoma or another eye disease, an ophthalmologist with the appropriate specialty would be a good place to start