What Is Ophthalmology?

Differences Between An Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, And Optician

The differences between an ophthalmologist, optometrist, and optician are significant, both in required training levels and in the eye disorders each can treat. Ophthalmologists are medical or osteopathic doctors who specialize in eye health. These professionals complete medical school and additional training in eye disorders, and they are licensed to practice both medicine and surgery. They can diagnose and treat any type of eye disorder, and they perform eye exams, issue prescriptions for glasses and contacts, and perform surgery when necessary. Optometrists attend four years of optometry school after completing an undergraduate degree, and they are licensed to practice optometry. Unlike ophthalmologists, however, optometrists are not medical doctors, though they are still licensed to perform eye examinations, write prescriptions for glasses or contacts, and diagnose certain types of eye conditions. They can also prescribe some kinds of prescription medications. Opticians are not permitted to perform vision or eye examinations, and they are also not able to diagnose or treat any eye conditions. Using prescriptions supplied by optometrists or ophthalmologists, opticians can design and fit glasses, contact lenses, and other corrective vision aids. They cannot write any prescriptions themselves.

Keep reading to uncover the eye diseases ophthalmologists can treat now.