What are the 3 Types of Eye Doctors
Eye doctors perform several tests to determine your eye health. They examine your vision, the appearance of your eyes, and the function of all the eye parts. They will also talk to you about how you can protect your eyesight and help maintain the best possible vision. They may also perform a tonometry test, which measures the fluid pressure inside your eye. This can help identify glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve.
Eye doctors treat many common eye problems, including eye pain and blurry vision. Optometrists can also refer patients to ophthalmologists if they experience a more complicated medical condition. For example, an optometrist may refer a patient with an uncontrolled eye infection to an ophthalmologist, who can treat it. Patients who suffer from serious conditions like glaucoma or corneal transplants may need to consult an ophthalmologist.
The three types of eye doctors are ophthalmologists, Opticians, and Optometrists.
- Ophthalmologists are specialists in eye disease and have extensive training and education in the field. Ophthalmologists must be members of a professional college of ophthalmology, ensuring that they provide high-quality care and follow proper safety rules.
While all eye doctors are trained in vision care, their training and specialties vary. Some doctors use holistic methods, while others advocate prescription lenses as the only solution. Regardless of your needs, finding the right provider to meet them is essential. Choosing the right eye care provider is often complicated. So, you should consider your needs and your goals when choosing an eye care provider.
Those who want to become an ophthalmologist must complete four years of medical school. This training includes classes in biology, chemistry, and behavioral sciences. After medical school, aspiring ophthalmologists must complete a one-year internship, where they observe and treat patients with eye conditions.
In addition to practicing medicine, ophthalmologists perform surgery and diagnose eye diseases. They may specialize in one or more areas of eye care, including contact lens placement and laser surgery. Some ophthalmologists also pursue fellowship training to further specialize in their field. So, you should consult an ophthalmologist if you have any eye concerns.
Ophthalmologists specialize in eye care and are licensed by state boards. They have completed medical school and complete additional training, including a residency or fellowship period. They have the training and experience to perform extensive eye procedures, like surgery and refractive surgery. They are also experienced in fitting contact lenses and can prescribe you contact lenses.
- Opticians are often the first contact you’ll have with an eye doctor. They help you schedule appointments and provide customer service. Opticians specialize in eye care and can even read prescriptions. They also help you choose prescription sunglasses or make adjustments to your eyeglasses. And, most of the time, optometrists are the ones writing your glasses and contacts.
- Optometrists are eye care professionals who usually help an ophthalmologist. They can’t prescribe medicine or perform eye surgery but only prescribe corrective lenses for vision problems.
