What is the difference between an OPHTHALMOLOGIST, an OPTOMETRIST, and OPTICIAN?
An OPHTHALMOLOGIST has graduated from medical school with either an M.D. or D.O. degree and has a minimum of three years of specialized training to diagnose and treat problems of the eye. In addition, an ophthalmologist performs eye surgery. An OPTOMETRIST has graduated from college and then 4 additional years of specialized training to earned an O.D. (“Doctor of Optometry”) degree that prepares him or her to expertly prescribe for glasses and contact lens correction, treat and manage eye disease with drops and/or medications. An OPTICIAN is trained to fit prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses and is an important member of an eye care team. Visit aao.org, goaeyes.com or optometricsociety.org for more information.
