The Differences Between Optometrists And Ophthalmologists And Which One You Should See for Routine Eye Care

When it comes to eye care, there are two primary professionals that you can seek assistance from eye care professionals - optometrists and ophthalmologists. While both are trained to provide eye care, there are some differences between them. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your eye care needs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist and which one you should see for routine eye care.

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The Differences Between Optometrists And Ophthalmologists And Which One You Should See for Routine Eye Care Optometrist

The Differences Between Optometrists And Ophthalmologists And Which One You Should See for Routine Eye Care Videos

Collaboration between optometrists and other medical professionals
Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach
Dr. Eric Ikeda

The Blurring Of Lines Between An Optometrist & Ophthalmologist

The role of the optometrist has evolved over the years into a primary care medical role with a lot of overlap into the role of the ophthalmologist. This has to do with a variety of factors including a major national shortage of Ophthalmologists necessitating mobilizing optometrists to stand in. In the past a clear line was drawn at surgery, however due to the shortage and improvements in technology, as of 2023, 10 states license optometrists to perform certain surgical procedures.

Role of Optometrists in Eye Care

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who are licensed to provide primary vision care. They typically complete a four-year doctor of optometry degree program after completing an undergraduate degree. During their education, optometrists receive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a range of eye conditions, including vision problems, eye diseases, and injuries.

Optometrists can perform routine eye exams to assess the overall health of the eyes and identify any vision problems. They can prescribe corrective lenses, including glasses and contact lenses, to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They may also prescribe medications to treat certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, and provide pre- and post-operative care for certain eye surgeries.

Role of Ophthalmologists in Eye Care

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. They typically complete four years of medical school, followed by a one-year internship and a three-year residency in ophthalmology. Some ophthalmologists may also complete a fellowship to further specialize in a particular area of eye care, such as glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.

As medical doctors, ophthalmologists are licensed to perform eye surgeries and provide a broader range of eye care services than optometrists. They can diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. They can also prescribe medications, perform laser surgeries, and provide pre- and post-operative care for advanced eye surgeries.

Role of Ophthalmologists in Eye Care

For routine eye care, such as a comprehensive eye exam, emergency eye exams, diabetic eye exams, dry eye treatment, or the prescription of glasses or contact lenses, either an optometrist or ophthalmologist can provide the necessary care. However, there are a few factors that may influence which one you choose to see.

An important factor to consider is the availability of the eye care provider. Our optometrists are more widely available than ophthalmologists and may have more flexible hours, making it easier to schedule an appointment. Additionally, our optometrists may be more affordable than ophthalmologists, as their eye care services tend to be less towards the surgical side.

Furthermore our optometrist schedules longer exams and spends more time with the patient to cover their questions and concerns.

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How Can I Find an Optometrist Near Me?

If you're searching for a new optometrist, you can find an optometrist near you online by using the phrase “optometrist near me” or “eye doctor near me”.

Experience World-Class Optometry Care with an Amplify EyeCare Doctor Near You

Amplify EyeCare is a team of a passionate and experienced optometrists practicing eye care at the cutting edge of technology and vision science. We are growing with new locations coming across the US.

Visit a Routine Eye Care optometrist at an Amplify EyeCare practice near you:

Amplify EyeCare Santa Clarita in Santa Clarita, California
Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach in Bellflower, California
Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga in Hixson, Tennessee
American Family Vision Clinic in Olympia, Washington

Common Questions

What is the role of optometry in primary eye care?

Optometry plays a crucial role in primary eye care. Optometrists are trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating vision and eye problems. They provide a range of services, including routine eye exams, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosing and managing eye diseases and conditions. Optometrists also work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive eye care to their patients.

What is the advantage of an optometrist?

One of the main advantages of seeing an optometrist is that they are highly trained professionals who specialize in eye care. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of vision and eye problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Optometrists can also diagnose and manage eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, they can prescribe glasses and contact lenses to improve vision and provide recommendations for promoting and maintaining good eye health.

What is the difference between routine and medical eye exam?

A routine eye exam is a comprehensive exam that checks your vision and evaluates the overall health of your eyes. This type of exam is typically performed by an optometrist and is used to determine if you need glasses or contact lenses, and to identify any eye diseases or conditions that may require treatment. A medical eye exam, on the other hand, is an exam that is performed to diagnose and manage a specific eye condition or disease. This type of exam is performed by our optometrist and may involve more specialized tests and procedures than a routine eye exam. Examples of medical eye conditions include eye emergencies, dry eye, low vision, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. These exams are typically covered by health insurance, while routine eye exams may not be covered unless there is a medical necessity. Vision savings plans, such as VSP and EyeMed, are savings cards that will typically cover the costs of routine eye exams.

Don't Settle for Blurry Vision - Reach Out to an Amplify EyeCare Professional Today

If you would like to schedule an eye exam, you can reach out to your nearest Amplify EyeCare practice either via a call or in-person visit. Our team of eye care professionals is ready and equipped to provide you with the care you need.