How is an optometrist different from other eye care professionals?
Optometrists are primary eye care doctors who examine, diagnose, treat and manage disorders that affect the eye or vision. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in surgery and disorders of the eye. Your optometrist can determine if you need surgery and will refer you to the appropriate ophthalmologist for surgical treatment. Opticians receive training on the job or through apprenticeships lasting 2 or more years. Dispensing opticians fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
An optometrist is an individual that has a Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.), while an ophthalmologist is an M.D. or D.O. (i.e. physician) that specializes with eye care and surgery. An optometrist can conduct eye exams and prescribe glasses. However, an ophthalmologist can do those things plus prescribe drugs and conduct surgery. Also, an ophthalmologist is an individual that has undergone a residency-training program after earning their medical degree, unlike an optometrist that may practice right out of school.
Doctors of Optometry (OD’s) complete years of additional education and training following their undergraduate degree. They are primary eyecare providers that treat and manage diseases of the eye as well as prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Their forte is Optics, and the Science of Vision. The exam is a combination of refractive assessment and health evaluation using many diagnostic instruments, drops, and techniques. They also evaluate and diagnose and (in most cases) manage or co-manage any eye pathology or eye symptoms related to underlying systemic diseases. In all states, OD’s can prescribe medications when needed for most common eye diseases.
Ophthalmologists (MD’s or DO’s) are medical school graduates who then complete Residency training in Ophthalmology following medical school. Their forte is eye disease and surgery. They medically and surgically treat diseases in and around the eye. Some ophthalmologists do eyeglass and contact lens prescribing as well, but that is less common. There are "General Practice" ophthalmologist but most work as a referral center for patients with uderlying systemic disease or active eye pathology.
Opticians are trained (either through course work or on the job apprenticship) to fit, measure, manufacture, and repair eyeglasses (and some limited contact lens involvement). They may work in retailing their frame and lens products, or in the lab as part of producing eyeglasses. They can not prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses or examine patients for eye disease.
