Many people ask us; "What is the difference between an Optometrist and an
Ophthalmologist?"
At Dalton Family EyeCare, we actually offer services from both types of
doctors.
It is a very important difference and we are glad that you've come here for
the answer.
An Optometrist:
Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the
eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and
disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as
identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.
- Doctors of Optometry prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation,
vision therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical
procedures.
- Optometrists counsel their patients regarding surgical and non-surgical
options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations,
and lifestyle.
- An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a
college or university and four years of professional education at a college of
optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists
complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice.
- Optometrists are eye health care professionals state-licensed to diagnose
and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.
-Approved by the AOA Board of Trustees, June 21,
2005
An Ophthalmologist:
Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine specializing in the anatomy, function
and diseases of the eye.
What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision
care. Ophthalmologist are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye
care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye
surgery. Many Ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research
into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.
Ophthalmologists are an essential part of the eye care team.
Education & Training
In addition to four years of medical school and one year of internship, every
Ophthalmologist spends a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based
training) in ophthalmology. During residency, Ophthalmologists receive special
training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical
and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases.
Often, an Ophthalmologist spends an additional one to two years training in a
subspecialty, that is, a specific area of eye care (for example, glaucoma or
pediatric ophthalmology.)
Also important in your Eye Care are Opticians:
A
dispensing optician fits eyeglasses and, in some states, contact lenses. They
analyze and interpret prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists
to determine which eyeglasses or contact lenses are best suited to the patient's
lifestyle and visual needs.
The
optician takes eye measurements to insure proper lens placement in the
eyeglasses' frame and verifies the accuracy of the finished product. She or he
also may manufacture (grind) lenses from raw materials and cut them to fit into
the frame. Before designing contact lenses, the optician evaluates the patient's
eyes under a special microscope and measures the curvature of the eye. The
optician instructs the patient in the care and handling of contact lenses.
Opticians may hold an associate opticianry degree or may have apprenticed for a
required number of hours. In most states that requires an optician to be
licensed, candidates must pass an examination given by the American Board of
Opticianry (ABO). Some states also require that candidates pass a state board
exam. Opticians can take the National Contact Lens Examination (NCLE), which in
certain states allows them to fit and dispense contact lenses.
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