Eye Care Professions

Ophthalmologists and Optometrists There are several different professions that focus on the health and care of the eye. These eye care professions are an integral part to keeping your quality of life where it should be. However, beyond getting eye examinations and checkups, many people might simply lump these health care professions together. What very few realize is the difference between them.

Professions

Optometrist – Most people visit an optometrist for their primary vision care. Several facets of eye care can be performed by an optometrist. They diagnose problems with vision including diseases, prescribe contacts and eyeglasses, provide treatment before and after eye surgery, and prescribe drugs for various eye treatments. A Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) must go to an accredited university for at least three years before being accepted into a four-year accredited optometry school.
Ophthalmologist – An ophthalmologist is a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.). Ophthalmologists perform all the things optometrists do, but they may also perform eye surgery, like LASIK, as they are licensed to practice medicine. In addition to four years of undergraduate work, a person interested in becoming an ophthalmologist must then attend four years of medical school, and then enter an internship or residency that can take several more years depending on the focus of the specialty. Ophthalmologists may become board certified.
Optician – Opticians have the job of actually manufacturing and dispensing contacts and eyeglasses. A manufacturing optician creates the lenses from beginning to end. They measure, surface, and smooth the lens. Dispensing opticians are the opticians you see when you get glasses or contacts. They measure the eyes, show patients how to care for their lenses, and may occasionally grind the lens. Opticians learn their skills through apprenticing and university classes, then become certified by taking exams. They often deal with the patients referred to them by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
Ophthalmic Technologist – Ophthalmic technologists assist ophthalmologists. Their training covers administering eye medication, taking patient medical histories, assisting in eye surgeries, using various medical instruments, and making sure each patient understands their diagnosis and treatment. An ophthalmic technologist may specialize in one of several different fields.
Orthoptist – Orthoptists focus on treatment of the muscles in the eye. Patients are often those who have lazy eye or are cross-eyed. Some patients are recovering from head injuries or strokes. Orthoptists use various instruments to determine an appropriate course of treatment. treatment may include various eye exercises or giving patients an eye patch. Many of the patients are children since this is when problems like lazy eye and cross-eyes usually present.

To find an eye care professional in your area, please visit our Eye Doctor Directory today.