What is the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist? This is the most common question that healthcare professionals and the general public have when it comes to seeing the right eye care professional. Optometrists and Ophthalmologists both play a vital role in providing professional eye care to consumers, but their training, expertise and core competencies are the factors that differentiate the two. Here's a quick look at the two types of eye care providers.
Optometrists
Optometrists have completed a Bachelor of Science degree or higher, followed by a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited university's school of optometry. They are medical professionals, but not physicians. Optometrists are educated, clinically trained
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• Treatment of conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
• Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses.
• Participate in pre- or post-operative care for patients who need surgery.
• Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologists are medical or osteopathic doctor who specialize in eye and vision care. They have completed a Bachelor's Degree and four years of medical school at an accredited university. They have also obtained a residency in medical and surgical care of the eyes in an accredited university hospital. Ophthalmologists are surgeons and specialists in eye disease. Their services include the following:
• Involved in scientific research about eye diseases and treatments.
• Provide vision services including eye exams.
• Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses in order to correct vision problems.
• Perform medical eye care for conditions such as glaucoma, iritis, and chemical burns.
• Perform surgical eye care for trauma, crossed eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and other problems.
• Perform plastic surgery for drooping eyelids and smoothing