Do I need an ophthalmologist or optometrist?
Visit an optometrist for routine eye care, such as a yearly eye exam or refilling an eyeglass, contact lens, or eye medication prescription. Visit an ophthalmologist for medical and surgical treatment of serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and laser eye surgery.
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
Optometrists are eye care professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment and management of vision changes. An optometrist is not a medical doctor. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care.
Can Optometrists diagnose eye diseases?
Optometrists can also uncover other health problems just by examining your eyes. Not only can they diagnose eye diseases but they can diagnose other diseases in the body like diabetes and hypertension.
Is an optometrist considered a physician?
Optometrists. Optometrists have completed medical training but they are not physicians. The “OD” stands for Oculis Doctor. Like ophthalmologists, they can provide diagnosis and treatment of many conditions and diseases of the eye.
How does an optometrist take care of Your Eyes?
Optometrists take care of primary health care for the eye. After college, they spent 4 years in a professional program and got a doctor of optometry degree. Some optometrists get additional clinical training or complete a specialty fellowship after optometry school. They focus on regular vision care and they: Perform eye exams and vision tests.
Which is the best eye doctor to see for primary care?
A good rule of thumb would be: For primary eye care, you may wish to start with an Optometrist. From there, they may refer you to an Ophthalmologist if needed If you think you need eye surgery for cataracts, glaucoma or another eye disease, an ophthalmologist with the appropriate specialty would be a good place to start
Can a optometrist and an ophthalmologist work together?
Optometrists and ophthalmologists often work together to take care of you. Opticians aren’t eye doctors and can’t give eye exams. They get a 1- or 2-year degree, certificate, or diploma.
How much does an optometrist make a year?
In 2018, the median salary for optometrists was $111,790, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Services they provide and what they can treat You can visit an optometrist for your yearly eye exam, to refill an eyeglass or contact prescription, or even to receive medication and treatment for certain eye conditions.