OPTOMETRIST - An optometric physician has completed four years of college premedical education and four years of graduate education at College of Optometry, earning a Doctorate in Optometry. Optometric physicians are certified by a national board and licensed by a state regulatory board.
Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers who specialize in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the eye and associated structures. Optometrists routinely diagnose and treat conditions such as glaucoma, eye infections, eye injuries, and inflammatory ocular conditions. In addition to training in the medical component of eye care, Optometrists also receive formal education in the prescribing of glasses and contact lenses. Since Optometrists are licensed and qualified to write prescriptions for glasses, contact lenses, and ocular medications they are generally considered to be the primary eye care providers.
OPHTHALMOLOGIST - The Ophthalmologist is a Doctor of Medicine and is a primary and secondary, eye care provider. Ophthalmologists have completed four years of college, four years of medical school and four years of residency and additional fellowship programs related to the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. Ophthalmologists may also perform a wide variety of surgical procedures including cataract surgery, corneal transplant, glaucoma surgery, retinal surgery, and laser procedures.
WHICH KIND OF DOCTOR DO I NEED?
In most instances your Optometrist is able to take care of your eye and vision needs. If Ophthalmologic care, such as surgery, is needed your optometrist can help you select the right Ophthalmologist and make the referral.
Eric Leavitt O.D.