Ophthalmologist or Optometrist – Which Do You Need?

The first step to finding an ophthalmologist is to determine if you need an ophthalmologist. There is a significant amount of overlap between the fields of optometry and ophthalmology. An ophthalmologist has completed four years of medical school (receiving an M.D. degree), one year of internship training and at least three years of an ophthalmology residency. After that time, many ophthalmologists go one to specialize in one of a number of ophthalmological subspecialty fellowships such as glaucoma. An optometrist obtains an O.D. after completing four years of optometry training. Some optometrists pursue residency. It is important to note that the D.O. degree signifies a Doctor of Osteopathy and is consider the equivalent of an M.D. for most intents and purposes. Physicians with the D.O. may go on to study ophthalmology but more often go into some other medical specialty.

 

An ophthalmologist is trained to provide essentially all of the eye care that person could ever need, from eyeglass prescriptions to surgery. However, most eye surgeons usually specialize in a particular eye surgery and do not routinely schedule office visits for refractive diagnosis (traditional eye exam for vision correction). An optometrist is competent to perform refraction tests but also can diagnose certain diseases of the eye. Depending on the jurisdiction, optometrists are either permitted to or prohibited from performing certain surgical procedures. In general, most eye surgeries are performed by ophthalmologists. Importantly, an optician is not trained or permitted to diagnose any disease of the eye, including vision disturbances. Opticians provide fittings and guidance in choosing the proper eyeglass frames as well as information on the care of corrective lenses.

The decision of whether to use an optometrist or an ophthalmologist is complex. Various sources are split on the issue because each group has a financial incentive to treat as many patients as possible and as the law allows. One argument in favor of using an ophthalmologist is that he or she has completed medical school and could treat any eye disease that one could possibly have. Many err on the side of caution and use an ophthalmologist for every eye care service, including testing for corrective lenses. Another approach favors the optometrist for routine eye care. These medical professionals are fully qualified to diagnosis errors of refraction but also glaucoma, astigmatism and other disorders of the eye. Optometrists are able to prescribe a select number of eye drops that can treat many eye disorders. Another argument in favor of using an optometrist is that since refraction testing is integral to their practice, they may be in even better position than an ophthalmologist to prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. Unfortunately, if surgery is necessary, a referral will need to be made to an ophthalmologist with training in the area.

The choice between ophthalmologist and optometrist is based on a number of factors not the least of which is personal preference. No matter which professional you decide to visit, make sure that they are comfortable and well-practiced in the technique that you need and also quick to refer to another provider if your needs extend beyond their training and expertise.