What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a physician or medical doctor who specializes in eye diseases, eye and vision care (AAO, 2022). Ophthalmologists are not similar to optometrists and opticians. They have very different levels of training and knowledge and what they can diagnose and treat. Therefore, the patients should know and check before they go to the eye care practitioners. Ophthalmologists have medical school education, advanced medical and surgical training and are licensed to practice medicine and surgery. Their advanced training allows them to treat a wider range of conditions than optometrists and opticians.
Jobs performed by an ophthalmologist:
- Diagnoses and treats all eye diseases,
- Conducts eye surgery,
- Prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems,
- Are also engaged in scientific research on the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision disorders,
- Sometimes recognize other health problems not directly related to eye, and refer those patients to the right medical doctors for treatment.
Specialized expertise in specific eye conditions
- Some ophthalmologists specialize further in a specific area of medical or surgical eye care.
- They are called subspecialist.
- Have additional, more in-depth training in one of the main subspecialty areas.
Subspecialty areas
- Glaucoma,
- Retina,
- Cornea,
- Pediatrics,
- Neurology,
- Oculo-Plastic Surgery,
- Others.
What is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is not a medical doctor. An optometrist receives a doctor of optometry (OD) degree after completing 2 to 4 years of college-level education, followed by four years of optometry school. They are licensed to practice optometry,
Jobs of Optometrists
- Mainly performing eye exams and vision tests,
- Prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses,
- Treat certain eye conditions
- Detecting certain eye abnormalities,
- Prescribing medications for certain eye diseases,
- Providing primary vision care ranging from vision testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes.
What are Opticians?
Opticians are technicians trained to design, verify and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses and other devices to correct eyesight.
- They fit eyeglasses and contact lenses,
- They use prescriptions supplied by ophthalmologists or optometrists,
- They do not test vision,
- They do not write prescriptions for visual correction,
- Opticians are not permitted to diagnose or treat eye diseases.
References
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), 2022, What is an Ophthalmologist? Last accessed on 11/11/2022. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/what-is-ophthalmologist