When you need to see an eye doctor, you will find out that there are different specialists available. Keep in mind that optometrists and ophthalmologists aren’t the same, but you still need to pick the one that will suit your needs. They are different professionals with different educational backgrounds.
You will likely be confused when choosing your eye doctor. Read on and find out more about the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist!
What does the optometrist do?
An optometrist provides routine eye checks. They will examine the eye and diagnose eye conditions. When there is a need, an optometrist will prescribe medications for treating your condition. If you have problems with your sight, they can prescribe vision glasses or lenses. Also, an optometrist will provide you post-surgery care during your recovery phase. But, keep in mind that they can’t perform complex surgeries. When it comes to education, the optometry program takes about 8 years to finish.
What does the ophthalmologist do?
The ophthalmologist can perform routine checks and prescribe medications, as well as perform surgeries. These professionals can diagnose any kind of diseases and eye conditions. They can perform surgery for different eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.
An ophthalmologist can also do aesthetic surgeries, such as smoothing fine lines in the area around the eyes or raise saggy skin. Before becoming a licensed ophthalmologist, a person needs to spend 12-13 years in education.
The difference between optometrist and ophthalmologist
Both optometrists and ophthalmologists are eye doctors. However, their scope of services is different. They don’t have the same education, as the ophthalmologist has an extensive program.
The ophthalmologist will cover the services that an optometrist provides. They can diagnose eye conditions and prescribe medications, but their area of expertise expands beyond this. The difference is that they can perform complex surgeries and diagnose eye conditions that are related to other diseases.
Optometrists can perform minor surgeries, while ophthalmologists can do any type of surgery. The optometrist has a limited range of surgeries that they can perform, such as laser eye surgery and removing foreign objects.
How to pick your eye doctor?
Your choice depends on the service that you will need. Different professionals have different education and practice, so you should pick the one that can help with your specific eye condition. Some facilities have both eye doctors available to suit your needs.
When you don’t have a severe issue, you can visit an optometrist. The optometrists at the National Eye & Ear of Tucson can perform routine eye checks. They can also prescribe medications, contact lenses, and eyeglasses. If you have a serious eye condition that requires surgery, you will need to see an ophthalmologist.
