Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist

Ophthalmologist vs

Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist

Eye doctors play an important in our society. Hundreds of millions of people worldwide have eye diseases or conditions and the number is growing as our population increases and ages. While many people think of eye exams and prescriptions for glasses or contacts when they think of eye doctors, these doctors treat patients with a wide range of medical conditions including cataracks, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other retinal diseases. An ophthalmologist vs. optometrist comparison will help you understand the differences in these types of doctors.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in surgical eye care. They have more advanced training than optometrists and typically earn a higher wage. In the U.S., a licensed ophthalmologist must have four years of college, four year of medical school, three years of residency, and sub speciality training of an additional 1 to 2 years. This profession requires a commitment of at least twelve years of education and training after high school until you can become licencsed. Ophthalmologists specialize in a wide range of eye conditions including treatment of retinal, macular, and vitreous disease.

When most people think of eye doctors, optometrists come to mind. Optometrists are not medical doctors. If you need an examination and prescription for refractive vision glasses or contacts, typically you go to an optometrist. However, optometrists can treat a wide range of eye diseases and disorders.

Optometrists are not licensed medical doctors. However, they are licensed and must complete at least three years of post-graduate education in an approved doctor of optometry program. Admittance is competitive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007 only 1 in 3 applicants to optometry schools was admitted. Once licensed, optometrist are given the acronym OD for doctor of optometry. One fact you may not know is that in nearly every state, optometrists can prescribe oral medications.

A more specialized type of eye doctor is a vitreo-retinal surgeon. These doctors have advanced specialization and perform surgical treatment of macular degeneration. Vitreo-retinal surgeons are experts in disorders of the vitreous, retina, and macula. They can perform treatment such as laser therapy and photodynamic laser therapy upon a patient with advanced macular degeneration.

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