Time to get your eyes checked? Well then, you have a choice to make. There’s more than one type of eye doctor you can visit, and each has different credentials, skills and specialties. Show
To help you with your choice, here’s a quick look at the three main types of eye-care professionals and what each of them can do for you: Opticians are technicians who have a 2-year technical degree that prepares them to work in an optometrist or ophthalmologist office or at an eyeglasses distributor. Opticians are trained to read vision-correction prescriptions from your doctor and supply you with contact lenses or fit you for eyeglasses or other eyewear, like prescription sunglasses. Opticians can also make repairs and adjustments to eyeglasses. Optometrists are doctors of optometry and, as such, have an OD (doctor of optometry) credential. In addition to an undergraduate degree, they have a degree from a college of optometry. Optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams and can diagnose and treat common vision problems and certain eye abnormalities or diseases, as well as provide pre- and post-surgical care. Optometrists can prescribe glasses, contact lenses, eye exercises, vision aids and therapy, and (in some states) oral and topical medications to treat certain eye diseases. Ophthalmologists are doctors of the eye. They have graduated from medical school and are licensed to practice medicine, so their credentials are either doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO). Ophthalmologists have been trained in all aspects of eye care. In addition to doing vision exams and prescribing all forms of vision correction, ophthalmologists are trained to diagnose and treat all types of eye problems, injuries and diseases as well as perform surgery. Some ophthalmologists specialize in certain aspects of eye medicine, like neuro-ophthalmology, or in treating certain diseases, like glaucoma. Depending on your needs or preferences, you may have appointments with each type of eye specialist at different points in your life. It’s good to know what training and skills to expect from each branch so you’ll feel prepared for your visits. Dr. Pennachio in Clermont recommends annual vision exams for healthy eyes and more frequently if you have problems. To schedule your exam, contact Pennachio Eye at 325-227-1999 or website today. Having sound eye health is important to prolonging quality vision. One not-so-secret way of maintaining the health of your eyes is to visit an eye doctor regularly so that all changes in your vision get documented. The work of all eye care practitioners is to provide comprehensive eye care to their patients. Nevertheless, not all eye specialists qualify to treat and examine all eye issues. There are different types of eye doctors, so choosing the right one depends on the type of eye problem you have or eye services you need. Four primary types of vision specialists are:
Each of these specialists have qualifications that enable them to deliver varying levels of eye care. And in the case of ophthalmologists and optometrists, there are specialists who treat specific eye conditions. OphthalmologistOphthalmologists treat eyes requiring medical or surgical interventions. They also work to prevent eye infections. These eye-care providers represent the most-trained of eye doctors, and they have advanced training in medical and surgical treatment. It takes approximately 12 years for someone to become an ophthalmologist, but they have their first taste of ophthalmology in medical school. They will then undergo fellowship training and get a practice license afterward. The work of an ophthalmologist is to provide complete eye care. In addition to that, they can also provide the following services:
Ophthalmologists can also specialize in a particular field to treat more complex conditions, such as:
Cornea SpecialistThe cornea is the transparent protective layer that covers your eyes. It helps focus light entering your eye. Cornea specialists diagnose and treat ailments that affect the cornea. They can also perform eye surgeries that involve the cornea. Cornea specialists also conduct corneal transplants and contact lens placement procedures. Neuro-OphthalmologistNeuro-ophthalmologists deal with the management of any eye symptoms caused by brain diseases. Some of these symptoms are visual loss or difficulty in moving the eyes. Neurologists or ophthalmologists can advance their training and become neuro-ophthalmologists. They treat diseases such as:
Oculoplastic SurgeonsThe work of oculoplastic surgeons is to perform procedures on structures close to the eye. Ophthalmologists undergo further training in plastic surgery to become oculoplastic surgeons. Their work is to correct medical conditions of the eye, such as droopy eyelids. They also correct cosmetic problems such as fallen eyebrows. Pediatric OphthalmologistPediatric ophthalmologists specialize in the treatment of eye diseases that affect young children. If your child has any refractive errors, you should visit a pediatric ophthalmologist. They can also identify any visual differences in the eyes of your child. OptometristDoctors of Optometry are primary eye healthcare providers. They manage, treat and diagnose diseases of the eye. Many people confuse optometrists with ophthalmologists, but optometrists are not medical doctors. Optometrists study for four years in optometry school, after which they get an optometry degree. They also have to undergo one to two years of clinical training before practicing. The work of an optometrist typically revolves around diagnosis and examination of eyes. But they also have other roles related to eye care which include:
Like ophthalmologists, optometrists can also advance their studies and specialize in one area. Some optometry specialties include: Contact Lens SpecialistThese specialists create and customize eye lenses. If you need lenses, you can visit a contact lens optometrist. Low-Vision SpecialistAs the name suggest, these physicians help people with low-vision disorders—conditions that are not correctable with glasses or lenses. Low-vision optometrists use technological advancements to provide care to such patients. Sport-Vision SpecialistsSport-vision optometrists are specialists that work with athletes. They evaluate and enhance their visual performance. They train athletes and help them improve their eyesight using certain visual materials. If you want to enhance the following, you should visit a sports optometrist.
OpticianOpticians are eye technicians and not necessarily eye doctors. They are not qualified to give eye tests or prescribe treatment to patients. They, however, have special training on fitting eyeglasses and lenses to patients. They go for a one- or two-year program before getting licensed, but not all states need an optician to have a practicing license. When your doctor prescribes visual aids, opticians are the ones who help you choose them. Other duties that opticians perform include:
OrthoptistAn orthoptist is an eye specialist who deals with eye movement disorders. They also examine and treat binocular vision problems. Ophthalmologists also consult with them before doing a surgery involving their specialty. If you have the following disorders, then an orthoptist is the right doctor to visit:
Other Eye Health ProfessionalsWhen treating patients, eye doctors get additional help from other health professionals. Some of the health care providers that work with eye doctors are: Nurses: Ophthalmic nurses are specialists that provide care to eye patients. They help eye doctors during surgery and also help patients adapt to life after surgery. Technicians: One example of technicians is ophthalmic photographers, who take pictures of patients’ eyes and document their current status. Ophthalmic medical assistants: They help ophthalmologists in providing patient care. They are responsible for organizing the medical history of patients. TakeawayOphthalmologists, orthoptist, and optometrists form an essential group of eye doctors. They are the ones you see when you want your eyes checked. Ophthalmologists can do complete eye treatment, including surgery. Optometrists are eye doctors who offer many treatment services. Opticians are not eye doctors but are responsible for helping patients choose visual aids that eye doctors prescribe. References
Last Updated March 1, 2022 Note: This page should not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice from a doctor or specialist. Please review our about page for more information. What is the highest level eye doctor?An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research on the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision disorders.
When should you see an ophthalmologist?Loss of vision or decreased vision in one or both eyes. Changes in vision such as sudden spots, flashes of light, lightning streaks or jagged lines of light, wavy or watery vision, blurry faces, distortions or wavy lines, haloes around lights, double vision.
What is difference between ophthalmologist and retina specialist?A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who has undergone additional training to become an expert in the diagnosis, management and treatment of diseases and surgery of the vitreous body of the eye (watery gel between the lens and the retina) and the retina.
Why would I be referred to an ophthalmologist?Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of this organ. A general practice doctor may refer someone to an ophthalmologist if they show symptoms of cataracts, eye infections, optic nerve problems, or other eye conditions.
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