Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: What’s The Difference?

Your eyes have been bugging you. You’re wondering whether you should see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. But treating dry eyes is much different from removing cataracts.

Ophthalmologist Scott Wagenberg, MD, breaks down the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists and what each can help with in terms of medical treatment.

What’s the difference between an ophthalmologist and optometrist?

The differences between these eye specialists vary based on their level of expertise and the kinds of treatments and services they’re allowed to do.

• Ophthalmologists are physicians who graduated from medical school. They have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
• Optometrists are like your primary care provider. They oversee anything related to general eye health or vision and have a Doctor of Optometry (OD).

Optometrists provide routine, regular care related to eye health and vision. But ophthalmologists are more qualified. As a result, they can diagnose and treat a wider range of more complex conditions like severe glaucoma or diabetes-related retinopathy.

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. To become an ophthalmologist, you need to meet these criteria:

• Education and training: Ophthalmologists complete college, medical school, a one-year internship and a three-year residency focused on medical and surgical care.
• Role: Ophthalmologists provide total eye care. They’re the only ones who can perform surgery. They also prescribe a wider range of medications and treat more complex conditions like retinal detachment.
• Specialization: Ophthalmologists can also specialize in specific areas like pediatrics, oculoplastic surgery or corneal diseases.

Optometrist

Optometry involves the physical examination of the eye to diagnose and treat issues that affect your eye health and vision. Optometrists meet the following criteria:

• Education and training: Optometrists have a doctor of optometry (OD) that requires four years of medical school after college. Most optometrists also complete a one-year residency after optometry school.
• Role: Optometrists are like a primary care provider. They’re often the first line of defense before seeing an ophthalmologist. They handle routine exams and diagnose common vision problems like myopia or astigmatism.
• Limitations: Optometrists can’t perform surgery. If surgery is needed, they’ll refer you to an ophthalmologist for further treatment.

Other eye care professionals

Opticians work with optometrists and ophthalmologists to help you select and fit your prescription eyewear. Opticians help you choose the right glasses or contacts, including frames, lenses and coatings.

Opticians work directly off orders written by optometrists or ophthalmologists. They don’t give eye exams or write prescriptions themselves. “They don’t diagnose or treat eye problems at all,” says Dr. Wagenberg.

Which eye doctor should you see?

When you’re dealing with symptoms or immediate issues like blurry vision, eye pain or “floaters,” you can make an appointment with either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Any good eye doctor will help point you in the right direction if you need to see a different specialist.

“An optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist for any difficult medical conditions like uncontrolled eye infections, medically unmanageable glaucoma, cataract surgery, corneal transplants or retinal problems,” says Dr. Wagenberg.

If you’re considering laser eye surgery (like LASIK), an ophthalmologist is your point of contact. But an optometrist is often a better fit for someone who needs contacts.

The best thing you can do for your eyes is get regular exams and protect your vision. In most cases, you should have an eye exam at least once a year, especially if you’re at higher risk of vision loss or diabetes or have a family history of eye disease.

Just remember that an optometrist is a good starting point for many. An ophthalmologist is often the next person you see when you need more refined treatments.