Your child comes home from school with a paper from the nurse that states they failed their vision screening that morning. You frantically begin to search through the phone book for an eye doctor, only to realize there are hundreds to choose from.
You immediately notice that there are some doctors that are called Optometrists and others are referred to as Ophthalmologists.
What is the difference? Which one is right for you?
A Therapeutic Optometrist or Doctor of Optometry is licensed by their state to examine, identify and treat all visual conditions of the eye, including: nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism (irregular shape of the cornea) and presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close after the age of 40). Most often, they also have Opticians (the people that make your glasses) located in their offices.
They are also able diagnose and treat certain eye diseases as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders and infections. In addition to prescribing glasses and contact lenses, they offer pre-op and post operative care for glaucoma, cataract and laser refractive surgery.
The O.D. must obtain an undergraduate degree with an additional 4 years of study in a college of optometry. Some Optometrists choose to do an additional residency to sub specialize in the treatment of glaucoma.
George Kaufman, O.D has been practicing optometry for over 30 years at Woodlands Eye Associates.
“I have spent my career earning the trust of my patients. My practice was one of the pioneers in developing a co-management relationship with Ophthalmologists. If upon my through examination, I diagnose an issue that needs to be treated by an Ophthalmologist, I want the patient to take comfort in knowing they will be seen quickly. I believe that with the changing trends in Healthcare, we are going to see O.D’s and M.D’s working much more closely in order to appropriately serve our patients needs.”
An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor that has spent 4 years in medical school, 1 year of internship and a minimum 3 years of residency in a hospital. If an Ophthalmologist chooses to sub-specialize in a field such as retina, cornea, oculoplastics or pediatrics, they will need an additional 1-2 years of training.
While they too prescribe glasses and contacts, they primarily treat medical conditions and perform surgery.
Dr. Susan Fish, M.D. of Conroe Eye Clinic is an Ophthalmologist who also performs a great deal of general and oculoplastic surgery/Injectibles (cataracts, eyelid surgery, Botox, Latisse).
“The Ophthalmologist is medically trained to know the entire body. While we can certainly address your primary eye care needs, we are highly specialized in the surgical care of the eye. M.D’s and O.D’s are working much more closely in an effort to make sure the patient receives the most complete care in a very timely manner.”
So whether you are in need of a complete eye exam, eye surgery or just want to look at life through rose colored glasses, there are nearly 1,000 Optometrists and over 500 Ophthalmologists in the Houston area ready to serve you and your family.
Sources: American Optometric Association www.aoa.org
American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
Comments
Thanks for clearing that up!
Good article....I didn't realize that there was such a difference, I believed they were basicly the same.
uninformed......
Great Article Kelly. Very informative and effortless to understand. Your a great writer :-)
I enjoyed reading this article. It just confirmed what I have always known and believed. The patient is served well when both eye care professionals work together. Thanks for such a well written piece!
Very informative article. This is a very confusing topic that I now better understand.
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