What are the differences between an optometrist, an ophthalmologist and optician?
An optometrist is a doctor of optometry who examines patients in order to diagnose, treat, manage and prevent diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system and its related structures. An ophthalmologist is a physician who, upon graduation from medical school, undertakes several years of post-graduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye. As well as diagnosing and treating ocular disease either by medical or surgical means, ophthalmologists may also offer oculo-visual assessment, which includes prescription for corrective lenses.
I am a Board Certified Optometrist in the State of Florida. I also hold a license in the State of Kentucky. I have personally had 4 years of college, 4 years of optometry school, and two years of residency, (10 years in total) one of which at the #1 eye hospital in the world (Bascom Palmer Eye in Miami, Florida) where I trained directly with Ophthalmologists that write the textbooks that all other Ophthalmologists learn from. I personally diagnose and treat eye disease, prescribe medications, perform minor surgical procedures, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, educate patients with regards to their diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood thinning management, strokes, tumors, epilepsy…..ALSO, most Optometrists will complete the ENTIRE comprehensive eye exam by themselves (personal care) whereas with the Ophthalmologist a technician will complete the majority (90%) of the exam, writes the glasses prescription, etc. Basically, a GOOD optometrist can do EVERYTHING than an Ophthalmologist (MD) can do….with exception of taking you to an operating room and performing surgery under Sedation. I hope I have helped to clear the muddy waters that plague our profession.
ALSO, our examinations cost much LESS!!!!
