Optometrist or Ophthalmologist? Know the Difference

Optometrist or ophthalmologist- which eye doctor should you see? This question has surely bugged many people who wish to get professional eye care, but are confused as to which specialist they need to consult.

Ranking these specialists according to the amount of training they've received, ophthalmologists would come first, and optometrists, second. An ophthalmologist has the title of MD (medical doctor) or DO (osteopathic doctor), and would have finished four years of college, four years of medical school, a year of internship, and three years of residency in a hospital. An optometrist has the title of OD (Doctor of Optometry) and would need to have completed four years of college and four years of optometry school. Optometrists and ophthalmologists alike need a license to be able to practice and undergo continuing training to retain their license.

As for practice and scope of treatment, the rule of thumb in choosing between the two is this: you go to an optometrist for general eye care and maintenance; you go to an ophthalmologist for intensified and specialized treatments, including surgery. An optometrist may examine your eyes, diagnose eye diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses and medications to treat common eye problems, such as infections. An ophthalmologist may do all of these, but additionally, they are licensed to perform surgery and administer treatment for more serious eye problems such as macular degeneration and vitreoretrinal diseases. Optometrists are generally not licensed to perform surgery and may need the help of ophthalmologists to treat serious eye ailments.