Our discussion is what is the difference between an optometrist and ophthalmologist or what types of eyes specialist?___ Generally speaking, there are three types of eye specialists. Opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists.
The Opticians
However, they are not legally qualified to be called ‘ophthalmologists’ and cannot conduct eye exams. Their job is to fix eyeglasses and frames and to fit contact lenses to correct vision problems. However, they don’t diagnose or prescribe eye diseases. Some states do require licenses for opticians, but not all do. Most optometrists have at least a year of training and are licensed.
optometrist vs ophthalmologist
Optometry and ophthalmology are two very different specialties. Although they both deal with eye care, there are some common misconceptions between them. Eye care is provided by both ophthalmologists and optometrists, but their levels of training and expertise are quite different.
- The job of an optometrist is to perform eye exams and vision tests, prescribe glasses, detect abnormalities of the eyes, and prescribe medication for eye diseases. Optometrists and ophthalmologists have different responsibilities. Doctors of optometry are not medical doctors. As a result, they graduate from optometry school with an optometry doctorate (OD) after completing three to four years of college. Optometrists are eye care professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment and management of vision changes.
- The specialty of ophthalmology is the care of the eye and vision. An ophthalmologist has completed college and medical school. In contrast to an ophthalmologist, an optometrist has a key difference. In addition to treating eye diseases, prescribing medications, and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems, ophthalmologists can also provide all the services optometrists offer. Furthermore, they have medical and surgical licenses.
