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Ophthalmologist | Optometrist | Optician
An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in the eyes and their care. Ophthalmologists hold medical degrees, either an MD or osteopathic degree. They are trained to diagnose and treat all disorders of the eye. They have completed four years of college, four additional years of medical school, a one-year internship, and have three or more years of specialized medical, surgical, and refractive training in eye care.
They specialize in medical and surgical care of the eye and its associated visual system, and in the prevention of eye disease and injury. Ophthalmologists can diagnose, treat, and manage all eye and visual system problems. They are licensed by a state regulatory board to practice medicine and surgery. They can deliver total eye care including primary, secondary, and tertiary (vision services, contact lenses, eye examination, medical eye care, and surgical eye care). They can also diagnose general diseases of the body and treat ocular manifestations of systemic diseases.
Optometrists are licensed doctors of optometry. They have completed a four-year course in optometry, but have not attended medical school. They are licensed by the state to examine a person's eyes and to determine the existence of vision problems. Optometrists can perform visual examinations and prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as well as eye exercises. Although they cannot perform surgery, they can use medications to treat eye problems in some states.
An optician is a professional who fills prescriptions for eyeglasses based on prescriptions written by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. In some states, opticians can also fill prescriptions for contact lenses. They cannot examine or test the eyes or prescribe glasses or drugs.
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