Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinition of OptometristWhen to See an OptometristDefinition of OphthalmologistWhen to See an OphthalmologistDefinition of Optician
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition of Optometrist
When to See an Optometrist
Definition of Ophthalmologist
When to See an Ophthalmologist
Definition of Optician
Optometristsandophthalmologistsare both eye doctors, but they have different types of training and areas of expertise. If you need an eye exam—and think you may need glasses or contact lenses—an optometrist is a good first choice. If your eye issue requires surgery, or for specific conditions related to your eyes or overall health, you’ll want to visit an ophthalmologist.
The biggest difference between an ophthalmologist vs. optometrist is the career preparation each receives. This leads to variations in their skills and the services they provide.
What Is an Optometrist?
An optometrist has an optometry doctor (OD) degree and can assess overall eye health and the quality of a person’s vision through acomprehensive exam. They diagnose and treat many eye disorders that do not require surgery or further specialized care. An optometrist can also identify symptoms of other health conditions that may affect the eyes, such as diabetes.Some also specialize in a field like pediatric care.
To become an optometrist, a person needs to complete four years of additional education after a bachelor’s degree. Sometimes they complete a residency as well. On average, an optometrist in the U.S. makes $131,860 per year, according to 2023 statistics.
In addition to a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist provides diagnostic tests to screen for some eye conditions. Their services include:
An optometrist can diagnose and treat eye conditions, including:
What Is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. They diagnose and treat all eye diseases, and perform eye surgery. In addition to being able to write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses, ophthalmologists also have the authority to prescribe any relevant medications to patients.
To become an ophthalmologist, a person needs to complete a four-year medical degree, plus a one-year internship, a three-year clinical surgery residency, and a one- to two-year fellowship. Many do additional training so they can practice in a specialty area. For example, a retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who has undergone extensive training in conditions affecting the retina.
On average, an ophthalmologist in the U.S. makes $312,120 per year, according to 2023 statistics.
An ophthalmologist can provide the same services as an optometrist, but they also have eye surgery skills. Cataract surgery and basic glaucoma surgery are the two most common procedures that ophthalmologists perform, but there are many others.
Someone might see an ophthalmologist to treat a condition or injury involving the eye, including:
What Is an Optician?
Opticians are technicians who dispense corrective eyewear (eyeglasses and contact lenses) to customers using a prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They are not healthcare providers, and do not diagnose or treat eye conditions.
An optician will discuss your prescription and eyewear preferences with you. They’ll also order your eyewear, make sure it’s properly fitted, and in many cases are available to make minor repairs or adjustments.
There is no education requirement to become an optician. Many complete two-year degree programs, or learn through on-the-job training. On average, an optician in the U.S. makes $44,170 per year.
Summary
When choosing an eye doctor, it isn’t necessarily better to go to an ophthalmologist vs. optometrist. The decision should be based on your individual needs.
And while not a healthcare provider, an optician is also an important part of an eye care team if you need corrective lenses. If you’re unsure which eye specialist is right for you, consult your primary care provider.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Optometric Association.What’s a doctor of optometry?U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Optometrists : occupational outlook handbook.Mayo Clinic.Eye Floaters.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook.American College of Surgeons.Ophthalmology.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Opticians : occupational outlook handbook
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Optometric Association.What’s a doctor of optometry?U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Optometrists : occupational outlook handbook.Mayo Clinic.Eye Floaters.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook.American College of Surgeons.Ophthalmology.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Opticians : occupational outlook handbook
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Optometric Association.What’s a doctor of optometry?U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Optometrists : occupational outlook handbook.Mayo Clinic.Eye Floaters.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook.American College of Surgeons.Ophthalmology.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Opticians : occupational outlook handbook
American Optometric Association.What’s a doctor of optometry?
Mayo Clinic.Eye Floaters.
American College of Surgeons.Ophthalmology.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Opticians : occupational outlook handbook
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