Optometrists vs. Opthalmologists
An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry, or O.D., a licensed health-care professional who can provide many eye care services. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, or M.D., who specializes in eyes and eye care and is trained to treat and diagnose the full range of eye diseases and disorders.
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Education
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Optometrists typically attend four years of post-undergraduate study in a college of optometry. Some optometrists also undergo a residency period shadowing a professional optometrist before going into their own practice. Ophthalmologists attend four years of medical school followed by a year of internship and three years of residency in a hospital, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Optometry Procedures
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Optometrists are able to diagnose some eye diseases like glaucoma, retinal diseases and cataracts. They are licensed to administer some treatments for these diseases as well. They are also able to diagnose and treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism and to prescribe glasses.
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Ophthalmology Procedures
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Ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat all eye diseases and perform surgery. Optometrists often refer patients to ophthalmologists when they have eye conditions that need more in-depth diagnoses or more specialized treatment than the optometrist is qualified to provide, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Specialists
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Ophthalmologists may spend an extra year or two in training to specialize in a particular field of eye medicine. These fields include cornea and external disease care, glaucoma, plastic surgery (orbital surgery, lid surgery and reconstructive procedures following trauma), pediatric care and retinal disease, according to Medicine Net.
Which to Choose?
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Optometrists are typically more accessible and cheaper to see, and if you have minor eye problems, simply need glasses or need a first opinion, they may be the best choice, according to Urban Optics. However, if you suffer from a more complex eye disorder, have a systemic problem like diabetes or are experiencing pain, an ophthalmologist will be better able to diagnose and treat your condition.
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References
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- Photo Credit eye image by Pali A from Fotolia.com
