Ophthalmologist versus Optometrist …What’s the Difference?

When should patients see an ophthalmologist versus an optometrist? To answer this question you need to understand the difference between the two types of eye care professionals.

Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs), or Doctors of Osteopathic medicine (DOs), who specialize in eye health. They perform surgeries, diagnose and treat eye diseases, and work with diseases that impact total body well-being, like diabetes. Unlike optometrists, ophthalmologists are capable of performing the full range of eye care services, from routine eye exams to delicate eye surgeries, like LASIK.

Ophthalmologists are also called Eye Medical doctors, or Eye MDs. They must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree and then attend an accredited medical school. After 4 years of medical school they attend one year of internship and then 3 years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. Often, ophthalmologists spend one to three more years training in a subspecialty like pediatric ophthalmology or glaucoma. Eye MDs’ have the option to become Board Certified. Board certification is a thorough two-part exam designed to test a doctor’s skill, knowledge and experience. This test is given by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Optometrists

Optometrists are doctors of optometry, or ODs. They must complete an undergraduate degree in a science-related field and graduate from an accredited School of Optometry, which is a 4-year program. Optometry programs involve both classroom and laboratory education in the visual sciences field. Optometry students develop the ability to diagnose and treat eye disorders. One-year post-graduate residency programs are optional for doctors who want advanced expertise in a particular field such as pediatric optometry and ocular disease. Upon completion of Optometry school, ODs must pass the National Board Exam in order to begin practicing.

Optometrists provide eye exams to diagnose eye problems like nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). They check for eye diseases such as glaucoma, and examine the eye for signs of problems caused from other diseases, like diabetes. They also test for depth perception, color blindness, and eye coordination.

Doctors of Optometry are able to prescribe corrective lenses, like contacts and glasses, and medications. While they often diagnose ocular diseases which require surgery, they are not able to perform surgical procedures.