Did you know there are two different types of eye doctors? If you’re like the majority of the public I am guessing you didn’t realize there is such a huge difference. While ophthalmologist and optometrist look like similar words and may often appear to be the same thing these eye care professionals’ rolls are quite different.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) with special training to diagnose and treat all diseases of the eye. They are required to complete four or more years of college for premedical education and then carry on to complete four more years of medical school to obtain their doctorate degrees.
Ophthalmologists are responsible for your total eye care and they offer services that include:
- Regular eye care and vision services including eye exams
- Surgical eye care including: refractive surgery, cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma
- Medical eye care including: glaucoma, chemical burns, chalazion, dry eye
- Eye disease and injury-prevention services
Optometrist (O.D.) and opticians are other types of eye care professionals that are trained and licensed to provide some aspects of eye care. However, they are not medical doctors and they have not attended medical school.
Optometrists are responsible for services that include:
- Regular eye care and vision services that include: eye exams and treatment of eye conditions
- Diagnosing eye conditions such as: glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy
- Prescribing and fitting glasses and contact lenses for individuals
- Eye disease and injury-prevention services
If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.
Disclaimer:
This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.
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