How Is an Ophthalmologist Different From an Optometrist and an Optician?
Courtesy of AAO
Ophthalmologists are different from optometrists and opticians in their training and in what they can diagnose and treat. As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery, and prescribes and fits glasses and contact lenses. Ophthalmologists complete 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 1 year of internship, and at least 3 years of residency (hospital-based training) in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders. While all ophthalmologists specialize in eye problems and can treat all conditions, some decide to specialize in a specific area of medical or surgical eye care.
An optometrist is a doctor of optometry, licensed to practice optometry. Optometrists determine the need for glasses and contact lenses, prescribe optical correction, and screen for abnormalities of the eye. Optometrists can prescribe eye drops to help diagnose and treat certain eye conditions. Optometrists generally do not perform surgery. Optometrists attend four years of college and four years of optometric college. Some optometrists elect to specialize in low vision – and exam to prescribe low vision aids to people who have permanent vision loss.
An optician — licensed by a state to make optical aids — fits, adjusts and dispenses glasses, contact lenses and other optical devices on written prescriptions of a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. Training for an optician varies from a preceptorship to two years of opticianry school.
When Should I See an Ophthalmologist or an Optometrist?
You should have your eyes examined by an eye care specialist if you have:
- decreased vision, even if temporary;
- new floaters (black "strings" or specks in the vision);
- flashes of light;
- curtain or veil blocking vision;
- haloes (colored circles around lights);
- significant eye injury or eye pain;
- bulging of one or both eyes;
- crossed eyes;
- double vision;
- loss of peripheral vision;
- diabetes mellitus;
- AIDS;
- thyroid disease-related eye problems (Graves' disease);
- family history of eye disease.
You should also see an eye doctor if your family doctor, pediatrician or internist refers you to one.
When there are no particular problems, recommended intervals for comprehensive eye examinations are:
Newborn, pre-school and pre-teen: Eye exams should be given by a pediatrician, family doctor or eye care specialist at the following intervals:
- newborn to 3 months
- 6 months to one year
- 3 years old
- 5 years old (before entering school)
- later as needed
School age to 19: At 1-2 year intervals, unless symptomatic.
20 to 39 years of age: At 2 year intervals, unless symptomatic, or with certain medical conditions.
40 to 64 years of age: Every year.
65 years or older: Every year.
What Happens During an Eye Examination?
Your eye doctor and his or her assistants ask about your current symptoms and review your medical history. Eye drops to dilate your eyes may or may not be used during the exam.
The examination typically evaluates:
- visual acuity;
- need for eyeglasses or contact lenses (refraction);
- eyelid health and function;
- coordination of eye muscles;
- pupil response to light;
- side (peripheral) vision;
- intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye);
- anterior segment in the eye;
- the interior and back of the eye.
What Treatments Are Available for My Eyes?
Your eye doctor will discuss the results of your eye examination with you. If your eyes are healthy, you may only need eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your vision.
Some eye diseases are treated with medication, such as eye drops or pills. Other diseases may require laser surgery or other surgical procedures.
Your eye doctor can provide you with the treatment you need, or, in some cases, may refer you to a subspecialist.
Some eye conditions cannot be cured. Nevertheless, your eye doctor can offer counseling and support while monitoring your condition.
Good medical care is based on a cooperative relationship between you and your doctor. You should trust your ophthalmologist to give you accurate information about your eye problem and tell you about the risks and benefits of treatment options. You should also trust your eye doctor to keep your personal information confidential, and to provide care with courtesy and respect. Your role in this cooperative relationship is to ask your eye doctor questions about your problem and treatment options, and tell him or her about any other health factors that may affect your condition.
Loss of sight may be prevented! Many eye diseases do not cause symptoms for months or years. Therefore, regular visits to your eye care specialist should be as important as regular visits to your family physician. In many cases, early treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, crossed eyes and some forms of macular degeneration can prevent loss of sight and even blindness.
Together, you and your eye doctor can work toward the goal of protecting your sight through early diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions.