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Many people never realize that there are actually many
different types of eye doctors and specialists. Each of these doctors
does deal with eyes and with eye health, but their exact roles and
duties are different. Understanding these differences is important
because you want to be sure to see the right type of professional
depending on your eye care needs.
A) What is an
Ophthalmologist?
An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor that provides
full eye care to the patient. This includes completing an eye exam and
prescribing corrective lenses. The Ophthalmologist also diagnoses and
treats complex eye diseases and performs surgery. In some cases, an
Ophthalmologist may limit his or her range of services. For example,
some prefer to offer only basic eye care and to provide specific
surgical procedures. In this case, they refer their patients to other
ophthalmologists for additional procedures.
B) What is an
Optometrist?
An Optometrist generally provides several of the same
services as an Ophthalmologist. For example, the Optometrist may
evaluate your vision, prescribe corrective lenses, and diagnose common
eye disorders. In some states, Optometrists are also allowed to treat
specific eye diseases through drug therapy. For more complex eye
problems, however, the Optometrist will refer you to an Ophthalmologist.
C)
What training is needed to be an Ophthalmologist?
In order to become
an Ophthalmologist, a person must complete medical school and then
complete additional training. This training generally takes four years
to complete. Many Ophthalmologists also undergo additional training in
order to become specialized in a subcategory, such as anterior segments
surgery, cataracts, corneas, eye trauma, glaucoma, neuro-opththalmology,
ocular oncology, oculo-plastic surgery, ophthalmic pathology, pediatric
ophthalmology, refractive surgery, retina, and immunology.
D)
What training is needed to be an Optometrist?
To become an
Optometrist, it is necessary to complete optometry school, which is a
four year graduate program. Those who complete this coursework receive a
Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. In addition, they must receive board
certification in order to practice as Optometrists.
E) Why should
I see an Ophthalmologist?
It is important that you must visit an
ophthalmologist if you require certain medical procedures to be
performed on your eye. Each state in US has different rules that
regarding what procedures an Optometrist can complete and which must be
performed by an Ophthalmologist. That means you do not have much of a
choice when you see that you can not decide between an Optometrist or an
Ophthalmologist for certain procedures.
F) If an Ophthalmologist
has Special Additional Training, Why should i see an Optometrist?
Although
an Ophthalmologist has specialized training in the area of surgery and
is capable of performing eye exams, the American Optometric Association
considers the Optometrist to be the “primary eye care providers.” In
other words, Optometrists are meant to perform routine eye exams and to
recognize potentially more serious eye problems. They can then refer you
to an Ophthalmologist for additional care, if necessary. In addition,
Optometrists are specialists in determining lens prescriptions and,
therefore, helping patients find glasses and contacts that are right for
them. Of course, this is the primary reason most people visit the eye
doctor.
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