Optometrist or Ophthalmologist?
You should see an eye specialist if you are suffering from eye problems, or simply wish to keep your eyes healthy.
Optometrists focus on vision health and are healthcare professionals. They provide a variety of services such as vision correction and eye exams every year. Sometimes they will refer you to an ophthalmologist if you need more advanced or complex treatment.
Education
There are many routes to optometrist. You can start by getting a bachelor's in optometry and then apply for graduate programs.
To become licensed to practice as an optometrist in their state, they must pass both a national certification and state licensing examination. These assessments can include both clinical and legal questions.
Ophthalmologists should have a medical doctorate (M.D.) Doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) is required for ophthalmologists to earn either a medical doctorate (M.D.) After they graduate medical school, they then complete a minimum of one year of general training and then a three year residency in eye medicine.
They are able to treat patients with vision problems in different settings and gain valuable practical experience. They will learn to diagnose, treat and manage diseases and eye injuries. This training can lead to a career in hospitals, private practice, or other specialized areas such as opticianries.
Diagnosis
Both optometrists, as well as ophthalmologists, can diagnose many eye conditions and problems. Ophthalmologists have more experience and training, so they can offer more services than optometrists.
Ophthalmologists, also known as medical doctors (MDs), are specialists in vision and eye health. They provide corrective lenses and treatment for refractive errors, such as myopia and hyperopia.
They may also perform minor surgeries in-office such as foreign bodies removal, cataract removal, and eyelid surgery.
Optometrists provide many eye care services including the treatment of ocularpruritis. This is a very common condition that can lead to serious consequences such as glaucoma.
Optometrists can collaborate with ophthalmologists depending on your needs to ensure you receive the best care possible. Optometrists may refer you for more evaluation and treatment if you have an eye condition that requires special medical or surgical attention.
Treatment
Optometrists are both optometrists. They can perform eye exams and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. The state laws regulate their practice.
Optometrists are not able to perform surgery the same way ophthalmologists.
An ophthalmologist on the other hand is a licensed doctor who has completed four years in college and four years in medical school. Before becoming board-certified, they must also complete at least three more years of postgraduate training.
An optometrist and an ophthalmologist are different in that they have more training in diagnosing eye conditions and treating them. They may perform procedures such as retinal reattachment or cataract removal, and they can also prescribe drugs.
Ophthalmologists are often called upon to perform cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, and other eye diseases like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Prevention
Knowing who to consult if you have a serious eye concern can prove difficult. Ophthalmologists and optometrists are both licensed to practice medicine, surgery, but they have different areas of expertise.
Ophthalmologists can be described as doctors who are trained in eye care and surgery. Ophthalmologists can also prescribe medication and make prescriptions for contacts or glasses.
Primary vision care is provided by optometrists who have completed four years of education to earn their doctorate of optometry. They can diagnose and treat conditions such as dry eye or macular damage.
Optometrists are also qualified to perform minor ocular surgery and medically-required laser procedures. For more advanced treatment options, some optometrists might refer patients to an eye doctor for treatment.
Nuvision Centers- Excel Vision
Nuvision Centers- Excel Vision
5425 E Bell Rd Suite 135, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(602) 404-2005
You should see an eye specialist if you are suffering from eye problems, or simply wish to keep your eyes healthy. Optometrists focus on vision health and are healthcare professionals. They provide a variety of services such as vision correction and eye exams every year. Sometimes they will refer you to an ophthalmologist if you…