Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: Who Should You See?

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 optometrists and ophthalmologists?

Optometrists are like your primary care provider. They oversee anything related to general eye health or vision and have a Doctor of Optometry (OD).

Ophthalmologists are physicians who graduated from medical school. They have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

What can an ophthalmologist do that an optometrist can’t?

Ophthalmologists can perform eye surgeries and provide treatment for more complex conditions like:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Diabetes-related retinopathy
• Macular degeneration
• Retinal detachment
• Strabismus (eye misalignment)

Optometrists can diagnose many of the above eye conditions and will send you to an ophthalmologist if surgery is needed. But they can also diagnose and treat a wide array of other conditions, like:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)

Both optometrists and ophthalmologists perform eye exams and they can both prescribe glasses or contacts.

Is it better to see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist?

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 doctor or specialist.

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

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.

“Optometrists often specialize in difficult contact lens fittings, and are often best for that type of examination,” clarifies Dr. Wagenberg.

Other eye care specialists besides optometrists and ophthalmologists

There are also opticians who can help you select and fit your prescription eyeglasses properly. They can advise you on frames and certain types of lenses and lens coatings. And they can help you figure out which vision corrective devices are best for you.

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

Ultimately, what’s best for your eye health is that you have regular exams and take steps to 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. And any of these eye care specialists can assist you if ever there’s an issue with your vision.