subject: Eye Doctor Nyc-eye Doctor (212) 245-0686 [print this page] Choosing an Eye Doctor Choosing an Eye Doctor
How do I choose among the different types of eye doctors?
My insurance plan has a long list of eye doctors in my area, but I am confused about the various types of eye doctors that exist. How do I go about choosing among several eye doctors?
Choosing an eye doctor is an important step toward taking care of your eyes and vision. Eye doctors help to protect your precious sense of sight and help you to have the best vision possible.
An eye doctor is a person who specializes in the examination, treatment, and care of the eyes. The term eye doctor can refer to either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor that specializes in both medical and surgical matters of the eyes and visual system, as well as the prevention of eye disease and injury. These eye doctors may prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and also treat eye diseases with drugs as well as surgery. Ophthalmologists can be either doctors of medicine (MD) or doctors of osteopathy (DO).
Optometrist
An optometrist is an eye doctor who is professionally licensed to to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage some diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system. An optometrist is not a physician. These eye doctors, referred to as doctors of optometry (OD), can prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. Optometrists do not perform surgery, but may prescribe drugs in most states.
When choosing an eye doctor, consider a candidate's overall qualifications, experience, services offered, and patient satisfaction. Both optometrists and ophthalmologists should be certified through an accredited medical institution and be licensed to practice through the respective state board of optometry or state medical board.
Opticians
Although not eye doctors, opticians are eye care professionals who can dispense, adjust and repair eyeglasses. An optician is trained to grind and fabricate lenses for eyeglasses and help patients find the best eyeglasses and contact lenses for their lifestyles. Some opticians earn a two-year associate degree in opticianry. Other opticians become certified by completing an apprenticeship under professional eye doctors.
