What is the difference between an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, and an optician?
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!!!!
Optometrist: primary care provider of eye care in relation to prescribing eye glasses and contact lenses and early detection of eye diseases. An undergraduate university degree is necessary and then four years of optometric education to earn their Optometric Doctorate. Some will choose to continue with a year of residency training. Ophthalmologist: can prescribe eye glasses and contact lenses and also perform eye surgery. Some are specialized to certain parts or diseases of the eye and cannot be seen without a referral. Ophthalmologists are Medical Doctors. Optician: sell frames and edge lenses for eye glasses. More associated with the retail aspect of vision correction.
