An optometrist is a licensed Doctor of Optometry who conducts eye exams, prescribes corrective lenses, diagnoses and treats eye diseases, and specializes in noninvasive therapies. They are a cost-effective choice for routine eye care, while ophthalmologists specialize in surgery. Opticians grind lenses but cannot conduct eye exams or treat patients. A routine eye exam is recommended at least once a year.
An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry (OD), rather than a medical doctor. The optometrist is licensed to conduct eye exams, prescribe corrective contact lenses and eyeglasses, and diagnose and treat eye diseases. He or she will work through various vision therapies to treat abnormalities and may prescribe eye medications. If surgery is required, the patient is referred to an ophthalmologist (MD).
Many people mistakenly believe that an ophthalmologist, as a doctor, is better seen for routine eye exams than an optometrist. While there’s nothing wrong with seeing an eye doctor, their expertise is in surgery, while an optometrist specializes in the type of care needed from routine eye exams and noninvasive therapies and treatments for eye conditions. An ophthalmologist will normally have higher fees than an optometrist and may still outsource much of the routine exam to an in-house optometrist. If a problem arises that can be treated with surgery or alternative therapies, the ophthalmologist is more likely to suggest surgery, while the optometrist will likely exhaust other potential treatments first. Unless there is an issue that requires an ophthalmologist, an optometrist will likely be a more cost-effective choice for routine eye care.
In the United States, a person who has completed at least three years of higher education at an accredited university or college can attend an accredited four-year optometry school. This is followed by state board examinations, both written and clinical. The optometrist may then choose to complete an additional year of residency to specialize in any number of areas including family practice, eye disease, pediatric optometry, and vision therapy.
Today, many malls have “vision centers” that offer eye exams by a licensed optometrist, while corrective eyewear is also made on site. The craftsmen who grind the lenses are called opticians. Unlike optometrists and ophthalmologists, opticians do not require a license and cannot conduct eye exams or treat patients.
A routine eye exam is usually recommended at least once a year. If you experience vision problems such as blurring, stinging or stinging, dryness or loss of visual acuity, it is advisable to see an optometrist immediately.
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