What is the difference between optometrist and eye doctor

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We explain causes, treatment, and…. Iritis, also known as anterior uveitis, involves the inflammation of the iris, the colored part of your eye. It's important to get medical care if you…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Many people are confused about the differences between optometry and ophthalmology. Though they both deal with eye care, there are several common misconceptions between the two. Ophthalmologists and optometrists both play an important role in providing eye care but their levels of training and expertise are quite different.

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. They receive a doctor of optometry OD degree after completing four years of optometry school, preceded by at least three years of college.

They are licensed to practice optometry which primarily involves performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, detecting certain eye abnormalities and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care.

They may assess you on how accurately you can perceive depth and colours, testing your ability to focus too.

An optometrist can tell you whether you have a condition including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and astigmatism. They can advise you on how best to manage a condition but may not be prescribing the medication to treat it. They will usually refer you to an ophthalmologist or your GP for specific conditions. This could be for a severe eye condition or abnormalities that may identify an underlying illness. They can also recommend eye strengthening exercises, vision therapy and can prescribe corrective eyewear and vision aids.

Both optometrists and ophthalmologists are qualified to examine the eyes for abnormalities, assess sight and prescribes corrective lenses. Optometrists are not qualified doctors; however, some optometrists can prescribe medications as well as treat different types of eye diseases.

Whilst an optician is not an eye doctor; they are an essential part of your health care team. They are key to detecting silent disease such as glaucoma. An optometrist writes a prescription and an optician fits and sells glasses and contact lenses to correct vision. An ophthalmic medical practitioner is similar to an optometrist.

By similar, we mean that they can both assess your eyesight, prescribe vision aids and examine your eyes for conditions. Whilst they are medically qualified doctors, they are not equipped to perform surgery on the eye.

If surgery is required, they may refer you to an ophthalmologist. Privacy Policy. Do not show me. Eye Care Hub. It acts as a lens to focus light entering the eyeball.

They may also perform surgeries such as refractive surgery and corneal transplantation. People who have trauma to the cornea or complicated contact lens fittings may also consult with a cornea specialist. The retina is the thin layer of tissue that lines the inner part of the back of the eyeball. Its role is to receive light and send visual signals to the brain. A retina specialist can diagnose and treat retinal eye conditions. This may involve surgically repairing torn or detached retinas.

Retina specialists can also treat conditions of the vitreous, which is the gel-like substance in the eyeball. Glaucoma specialists treat the eye condition glaucoma. This causes fluid to build up within the eye. The excess fluid puts pressure on the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve.

Ophthalmologists who specialize in neurology are called neuro-ophthalmologists. This subspecialty deals with vision problems related to how the eye communicates with the brain, nerves, and muscles. A pediatric ophthalmologist treats infants and children with childhood eye conditions and other eye issues.

Plastic surgeons who specialize in ophthalmology can repair damage to the eyelids, bones, or other structures around the eye and tear drainage system. They may also administer injections to improve the look and function of facial structures around the eye. Ophthalmologists sometimes require additional help from nurses, medical assistants, and technicians.

The following sections provide more detail on these professionals. Ophthalmic registered nurses have undergone extra training in eye care. These nurses can inject medications and assist with office or hospital surgeries.