Eye Doctors

Some people have misconceptions about eye doctors and their types. The fact is that there are three main types of doctors for the eyes as well as a few specialty eye doctors. They have different titles for they have achieved different level of education which determines the services that they are licensed to provide. Naturally, if you are having problem with your eyes, you can check the optometrist or optician first, in case there are further issues, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist.

How do these eye doctors' services differ?

Opticians. Generally they have completed a two-year technical course or have become an apprentice for several years and were taught the skills required to make and dispense corrective eye wears. Eye wears include eye glasses, contact lenses, ocular prostheses (technical term for artificial eyes) and low-vision aids. Depending on the requirements of the city or state where they practice, opticians can apply for certification or licensure.

Optometrists. They are also called Optometry Doctors (O.D.) for one to be an Optometrists, he must complete a two or four year degree program on optometry. Optometrists have not attended med school, so they are not doctors. They must pass the licensure exam from the state of province where they practice. They are licensed to examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and visual system disorders. Services they provide include eye glasses and contact lenses prescription, rehabilitation of the visually impaired and diagnosis and treatment of a few ocular diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia. They are not licensed to do surgeries. Laser treatments however require a proper certification.

Ophthalmologists. They are the Medical Doctors for the Eyes. They are the doctors who specialize in the anatomy, functions, disorders and diseases, and surgical treatment for the eyes. An ophthalmologist finished four years of undergraduate degree, four years of medical study, a year of internship and three or more years of medical training for ophthalmology residency (hospital-based) which may include surgery in the eye health care field. This is what makes them different from an optometrist. They have passed licensure exams for medical doctors. They are either OD's (Doctor of Osteopathy) or MD (Doctor of Medicine). They can do surgeries that optometrists are not licensed to do. They are specifically trained to cover the full spectrum of eye care. They are licensed to do assessment, eye glasses or contact lenses prescription, as well as delicate laser treatments and eye surgeries. They also cover complications in the eyes that may result from diabetes.

There are other types of eye doctors according to specialization. Orthoptists focus on crossed eye correction. Ocularists focus on fitting and manufacture of ocular prosthesis or artificial eyes. Other ophthalmologists have subspecialties on glaucoma, retina, cornea, neuro-opthalmology, oculoplastics, refractive ophthalmology or pediatric ophthalmology.

Generally, optometrists are more educated than opticians. However, ophthalmologists have more education than optometrists. Yet, the years of experience must also be considered in choosing your eye doctor, or any doctor for that matter.