What Is an Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist?
When scheduling an eye exam, you may wonder whether you should see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Both are qualified eye care professionals, but their education, training, and the services they provide are different.
The simplest distinction is that an optometrist provides primary vision and eye care, while an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and treat eye diseases and perform eye surgery. Depending on your needs, you may receive care from one or both types of providers.
Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist: What Is the Difference?
| Ophthalmologist | Optometrist |
|---|---|
| Medical doctor or osteopathic physician | Doctor of optometry |
| Holds an MD or DO degree | Holds an OD degree |
| Diagnoses and treats eye diseases | Provides primary vision and eye care |
| Prescribes glasses and contact lenses | Prescribes glasses and contact lenses |
| Prescribes eye medications | Prescribes permitted eye medications |
| Performs eye surgery | Generally refers patients requiring surgery |
| May complete subspecialty fellowship training | May complete an optometric residency |
What Is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine specializing in the eyes and visual system. Ophthalmologists complete medical school followed by specialized medical and surgical training in eye care.
Because ophthalmologists are physicians and surgeons, they can provide a full range of eye care services, including:
- Comprehensive medical eye examinations
- Diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Prescription medications
- Cataract surgery
- Glaucoma treatment and surgery
- Retinal disease treatment
- Corneal procedures
- Eyelid and tear-duct procedures
- LASIK and other refractive procedures
- Pediatric eye care and strabismus treatment
- Emergency treatment for eye injuries and sudden vision changes
Some ophthalmologists complete additional fellowship training in a particular area of eye care, such as retina, glaucoma, cornea, pediatric ophthalmology, or oculoplastic surgery.
What Is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is a doctor of optometry, identified by the initials OD. Optometrists complete undergraduate education followed by four years of professional optometry school. Some also complete a residency for advanced training in areas such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, or low-vision care.
Optometrists commonly provide:
- Routine and comprehensive eye examinations
- Vision testing
- Eyeglass prescriptions
- Contact lens fittings
- Diagnosis of common eye conditions
- Treatment of certain eye diseases
- Prescription eye medications
- Dry-eye evaluation and management
- Monitoring of chronic eye conditions
- Referral to an ophthalmologist when surgery or specialized care is needed
The medical treatments and procedures an optometrist may provide can vary according to state law, training, and licensing requirements.
Do Ophthalmologists and Optometrists Work Together?
Yes. Ophthalmologists and optometrists frequently work as part of the same eye care team.
An optometrist may provide routine vision care, detect a medical eye condition, and refer the patient to an ophthalmologist for specialized treatment or surgery. After surgery, the optometrist and ophthalmologist may coordinate follow-up care.
This collaborative approach helps patients receive the appropriate level of care at every stage of treatment.
Comprehensive Eye Care at Meadows Eye
Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care for patients throughout the Las Vegas area. Our team includes ophthalmologists, subspecialty-trained eye surgeons, and medical optometrists who work together to protect and improve our patients’ vision.
Whether you need a routine medical eye examination, treatment for an eye condition, or an evaluation for surgery, we can help connect you with the appropriate provider.
Call (702) 358-0472 to schedule an appointment with Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons.