A common misconception is that ophthalmology and optometry are same thing, just a different word. Not true. In fact, the two have quite a bit of differences. Below, I will define and explain the difference between an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, and an optician.
Optometry is a healthcare profession that deals with the eyes relating to structures, vision, and vision information processing in humans. Optometrists are doctors of optometry (O.D.) who are primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system. They examine the eye for refraction/vision accuracy. They prescribe lens and contact correction. An optometrist can diagnose many basic eye conditions. After prescribing corrective lenses they may also dispense/sell eye glasses or contacts.
During their examinations they may detect eye abnormalities and management many of diseases in the eye. Optometrists attend four years of college followed by four years of optometry school. They may also go through an optional one-year residency. They are not medical doctors.
Optometrists are the professionals patients see for typical refractory exams and eyeglass prescriptions. Most patients can be evaluated and managed by optometrists. Optometrists are qualified to treat patients with eye infections, disorders, and diseases beyond correction lens treatments. Optometrists can and do refer patients to ophthalmologists for further assessment and treatment, especially if surgery is needed or a second opinion is requested either by the patient or the optometrist themselves.
Ophthalmology is an entire branch of medicine dealing with diseases and surgery of the visual pathway. It is a subspecialty. Most of us don’t need this type of eye doctor unless there is a medical condition, treatment or specialist opinion requested. The field of ophthalmology covers the eye, visual system, eyelids, and lacrimal(tears) system. Ophthalmologists are doctors or medicine (D.O. or M.D.) who are specialists trained in ocular disease management and eye surgery.
Ophthalmologists partake in two to four years of surgical residents after medical school. In total, these doctors received 12 years of additional education after high school. They will refer patients to optometrists for optical aids, vision therapy, contact lens fitting, or low vision rehabilitation.
Ophthalmologists are eye physicians and although they can prescribe glasses and contact lenses, most often, patients will see optometrists for those needs. Ophthalmologists have more training than optometrists and opticians, and have a larger range in what they can diagnose and treat. Some eye doctors complete an additional one or two years of training in a subspecialty (glaucoma, retina, cornea, pediatrics, neurology, plastic surgery), which allows them to be able to take on even more difficult or specific conditions in the eye.
Opticians are technicians who are trained to design and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices that correct eyesight. They use prescriptions given to them by the optometrists and ophthalmologists, and they do not test vision, diagnose patients, or write prescriptions.
Eye health is important, and if you feel like your eyes are failing you in any way or you have strange symptoms (double vision, a dark veil that blocks your vision, bulging eyes, excessive tearing, eyelid abnormalities, eye pain, etc.) or a family history of eye disease, its best to get a full eye exam by an eye doctor. On the other hand, if your issue isn’t severe and are wondering if you even need to see an ophthalmologists or optometrist, call Dr. Kordonowy of at Internal Medicine, Lipids, and Wellness in Fort Myers at 239-362-2005, Ext. 200.
