What's the Difference Between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist?

An optician, an optometrist and an ophthalmologist walk into a bar. It may sound like the start of a classic joke, but for anyone who needs eye care, the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist is important.

Here’s a look into what each of these healthcare providers does, how they differ and which one you should choose for your needs.

An optician is essentially a technician who can design and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses or other corrective eyewear to an individual. Opticians are typically certified through a dedicated one-year program, although some may hold a two-year degree in the field. However, they aren't trained or licensed to test vision, diagnose eye conditions or write prescriptions. Instead, they work with prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists. They’re qualified to advise shoppers about lens coatings, frame styles and other eyewear features, and they can also make repairs on eyewear.

What Is an Optometrist?

Although optometrists must complete a doctorate in optometry, they aren’t medical doctors. However, they’re licensed to provide general vision care and can diagnose, treat and manage vision changes and many disorders of the eye. Although laws may vary by state, an optometrist typically may:

• Perform routine eye exams and vision tests
• Examine eyes for abnormalities
• Prescribe or dispense corrective lenses
• Prescribe certain drugs, such as topical glaucoma medications
• Prescribe vision therapy or rehabilitation
• Provide vaccinations
• Counsel patients on their eye care needs

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What Is an Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care and disorders. Before they can practice medicine, they must complete medical school and a residency and become licensed and board certified in their state.

Although an ophthalmologist may perform routine eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses like an optometrist, they're also qualified to diagnose and treat eye conditions and perform eye surgeries. Some ophthalmologists may further specialize, providing niche care in complex areas, such as pediatrics, glaucoma and plastic surgery.

What’s the Main Difference Between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist?

The main difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist is that an ophthalmologist has attended medical school and has surgical training. As a licensed doctor, an ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat all eye diseases and may perform surgery. An optometrist can only provide general eye and vision care and can only prescribe certain medications, as defined by the state they're practicing in.

Who Should You See?

Whether you need to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist depends on your reason for the visit. Optometrists provide primary eye care services, so you should typically see this type of practitioner if you need a basic exam, vision test or a prescription for corrective lenses. You may also visit your optometrist for the diagnosis, treatment and management of certain chronic vision conditions, such as dry eye or glaucoma.

However, if you have a family history of eye disease or suspect you have a complex eye problem, you’ll probably want to schedule a visit with an ophthalmologist. You should also opt to see an ophthalmologist if you’ve been diagnosed with one of the following eye diseases:

• Lazy eye
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal detachment
• Ocular melanoma
• Macular degeneration
• Eyelid conditions

You should also visit an ophthalmologist if you need surgical treatment or if you’re experiencing sudden changes in your eyesight, such as blurriness, light sensitivity or double vision.

If you need corrective lenses, an optician is typically the last stop on your eye care journey, and you’ll often see one after you’ve obtained a prescription and are ready to order eyeglasses, contact lenses or another type of vision aid. An optician can help you choose the right frames for your face size and shape, suggest lens treatments, such as tints and antireflective coatings and measure your face, so your eyewear fits perfectly.