Ophthalmologist or Optometrst

Ophthalmologist or Optometrist

Do I need an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist?

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There is a big difference in the training of an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist.

An Ophthalmologist is a physician that went through many years of medical school and preparing for the specialty of eye care. They specialize in all medical issues related to the eye. They perform surgeries to correct problems, and are prepared to treat diseases of the eye. An Ophthalmologist completed four years of undergraduate pre medical school, and four years in medical school. In addition to spending these eight years in general medical preparation, three years are spent in training for eye care. This is all besides the years spent in residency and internship, as well as specific procedure training as technology continues to improve on the services that they can provide.

An Ophthalmologist goes through extensive training to treat, diagnose and care for diseases of the eye, eye injuries, surgical procedures and general eye health.

Many Ophthalmologists specialize in very specific areas of eye related care. It is often crucial to make sure your Ophthalmologist has had extensive experience in the specific area you need.

An Optometrist can administer some treatments that an Ophthalmologist can, but his services are limited and very specific. Although an Optometrist is not required to attend medical school, they do spend four years in a school of Optometry. Most Optometrists will spend a year in an Optometry residency as well. This is all in addition to the undergraduate preparation. An Optometrist can test vision, prescribe glasses, contacts, diagnose certain diseases, as well as general eye care. They examine eye health. An Optometrist will either diagnose for you the reason you are experiencing trouble with your vision, or the Optometrist will refer you to an Ophthalmologist for further testing. An Optometrist is often used for basic vision correction.