subject: What Is The Difference Between Optometrists And Ophthalmologists? [print this page] Many people mistakenly confuse optometrists and ophthalmologists without even realizing it. But there is a significant difference between the two professions. Not all eye doctors are the same, and it's important to know what both optometrists and ophthalmologists can do. If you ever develop a serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, then you need to know which eye doctor you can go to for treatment. It's also important to know which eye doctor can conduct regular eye exams and help keep your eyeglass prescription up-to-date. Don't be embarrassed if you do not know the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists. The truth is that if you were to stop the average person on the street and ask them the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, they wouldn't know the answer. It's quite common to confuse the two.
An optometrist is the person who conducts the eye exam at your eye appointment. He or she is specifically trained to help you determine problems with your vision and find a corrective solution -- commonly found in the form of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Optometrists are also able to examine the eye thoroughly and have the ability to detect certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma and other corneal diseases. That is why it is important to go to the eye doctor as you get older, even if you don't wear glasses or contact lenses. An optometrist will let you know if you have any concerning eye conditions that need to be addressed. Annual eye exams are just as important as annual teeth cleanings.
An ophthalmologist is the person who performs the actual eye surgery and who is licensed to prescribe medication. Once an optometrist makes the diagnosis, he or she will send you to an ophthalmologist for further consultation. The ophthalmologist will then look at your eyes and decide if you need any medicinal eye drops to take care of the problem, or if you need something as serious as corrective eye surgery. Most optometrists and ophthalmologists work in the same office, which is convenient for patients.
As you can see, there is a distinct difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists. But both are very important professions. If you need to update your eyeglass prescription or get an eye exam, you would contact an optometrist. However, if you have recently been diagnosed with an eye condition that needs treatment, then you would contact an ophthalmologist. Optometrists are the very first line of defense when it comes to eye care. If you receive regular eye exams, they will be the first to notice any warning signs of glaucoma or other eye diseases. Glaucoma is a very serious disease that can cause blindness if it is not caught early enough. That's exactly why it doesn't matter if you have perfect 20/20 vision or if you have never worn glasses in your life. You should still make it a priority to go to an optometrist on a regular basis and have your eyes thoroughly examined. Glaucoma can happen to anyone, even individuals who previously had good eyesight.
