What Is an Eye Doctor Called?

Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: What Is an Eye Doctor Called?

When it comes to eye care, one of the most common questions people ask is, “What is an eye doctor called?” The answer to this seemingly simple question can be a little more complex than you might expect. Eye doctors come in different specializations, and the two most commonly confused professionals in the field are optometrists and ophthalmologists. Although both are considered “eye doctors,” their training, responsibilities, and the scope of care they provide differ significantly. In this article, we’ll explore the roles of optometrists and ophthalmologists in detail to help you understand the differences and figure out who you should see for your eye care needs.

At Nassau Fulton Vision Center of New York, NY, we’re committed to providing comprehensive eye care to meet the diverse needs of our patients. Whether you’re dealing with a common condition like dry eyes or need more specialized care for glaucoma or cataracts, it’s essential to know which type of eye care professional is right for you. This guide will clarify that.

Optometrists: The Primary Care Eye Doctors

What Does an Optometrist Do?

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care. They specialize in diagnosing vision problems, prescribing corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses), and detecting common eye conditions. However, their scope of practice is broader than that, especially in states where they are permitted to prescribe medication for certain eye conditions.

Optometrists undergo extensive education to prepare them for their roles. After earning an undergraduate degree, optometrists complete four years of professional education at a college of optometry. This program focuses on eye care, including studying the anatomy of the eye, learning about various diseases, and understanding how to correct vision issues through non-surgical treatments. Afterward, they receive a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.

Services Provided by Optometrists

Optometrists are equipped to offer a range of eye care services, including:

Eye Exams: Optometrists perform routine eye exams to check your vision and overall eye health. They will assess whether you need corrective lenses and monitor for signs of eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma.
Prescribing Glasses and Contacts: If you have a refractive error like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, your optometrist will prescribe glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision.
Cataract Evaluation: Optometrists can evaluate early signs of cataracts and refer you to an ophthalmologist for surgery when necessary.
Treating Common Conditions: Many optometrists can diagnose and manage conditions such as dry eyes, eye infections, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Vision Therapy: Some optometrists specialize in vision therapy to treat problems like lazy eye or eye strain from prolonged computer use.

While optometrists are trained to handle a wide variety of eye conditions, they typically refer patients to ophthalmologists for surgical treatments or complex medical conditions.

Ophthalmologists: The Medical and Surgical Eye Specialists

What Does an Ophthalmologist Do?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care, and their training goes beyond that of an optometrist. In addition to completing a four-year undergraduate degree, ophthalmologists attend medical school for four years and then undergo a residency program for at least four years, where they receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating eye diseases. Some ophthalmologists also choose to pursue further training through fellowship programs in subspecialties such as glaucoma, retina disorders, or pediatric ophthalmology.

As licensed medical doctors (MD) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO), ophthalmologists have the expertise to provide a full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses to performing intricate eye surgeries.

Services Provided by Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists are qualified to offer the following services:

Comprehensive Eye Exams: Like optometrists, ophthalmologists can perform routine eye exams, but their medical training allows them to diagnose more complex conditions and offer a broader range of treatments.
Surgical Procedures: One of the key distinctions between ophthalmologists and optometrists is that ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye surgery. Whether it’s LASIK to correct vision, cataract removal, or more complex surgeries like retinal repair, ophthalmologists handle all aspects of surgical eye care.
Management of Eye Diseases: Ophthalmologists are experts in managing chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. They can prescribe medication and perform surgeries to prevent or slow the progression of these conditions.
Emergency Eye Care: If you experience an eye injury or have an acute problem such as sudden vision loss, an ophthalmologist can provide the immediate care you need.

Differences Between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists

While both optometrists and ophthalmologists are eye doctors, the major difference between the two lies in their training and the services they offer. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who focus on routine eye exams and vision correction, while ophthalmologists are medical doctors who can provide both medical and surgical care for complex eye conditions.

If you need routine care, such as a vision exam or treatment for dry eyes, an optometrist may be your best choice. However, if you’re dealing with a serious condition like glaucoma or need cataract surgery, you’ll need the expertise of an ophthalmologist.

When to See an Optometrist

For most people, regular visits to an optometrist are sufficient for maintaining good eye health. Here are some situations where seeing an optometrist is appropriate:

Annual Eye Exams: It’s generally recommended that adults have an eye exam once every two years, or more often if you have an existing condition or wear corrective lenses.
Vision Changes: If you notice your vision has become blurry, you’re seeing double, or you’re having difficulty reading, schedule an appointment with an optometrist. They can assess whether you need new glasses or contact lenses.
Eye Irritation or Dryness: For mild to moderate dry eyes, an optometrist can recommend treatments such as lubricating eye drops or medications. At Nassau Fulton Vision Center of New York, NY, we regularly treat patients dealing with dry eyes using customized care plans.
Cataract Evaluation: If your vision is becoming clouded or dim, it could be the early stages of cataracts. An optometrist can diagnose cataracts and refer you to an ophthalmologist for further treatment.

When to See an Ophthalmologist

While optometrists can handle many eye issues, there are times when you should go straight to an ophthalmologist, especially if you need medical or surgical treatment. Here are some scenarios where seeing an ophthalmologist is the right decision:

Eye Surgery: If you need cataract surgery, LASIK, or any other type of eye surgery, an ophthalmologist is the professional to consult. Ophthalmologists at Nassau Fulton Vision Center of New York, NY, are skilled in performing various surgical procedures.
Chronic Eye Diseases: Conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration require the specialized care of an ophthalmologist, who can provide the necessary treatments to manage these conditions effectively.
Severe Eye Injuries: If you experience an eye injury, such as a chemical burn or a cut to the eye, you should seek emergency care from an ophthalmologist.

Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist depends on your specific eye care needs. If you’re simply looking for a routine eye exam or need new glasses, an optometrist at Nassau Fulton Vision Center of New York, NY, will be able to assist you. They can also provide care for common conditions like dry eyes or perform a cataract evaluation.

On the other hand, if you have a serious eye condition, need eye surgery, or have experienced a severe eye injury, you’ll want to see an ophthalmologist. Nassau Fulton Vision Center offers both optometry and ophthalmology services, so you can receive all the care you need in one convenient location.

Conclusion

Whether you need an optometrist for a routine eye exam or an ophthalmologist for specialized eye care, Nassau Fulton Vision Center of New York, NY, has you covered. Both types of professionals are crucial for maintaining your eye health, and knowing the difference will help you make informed decisions about your care. From routine cataract evaluations to the management of complex conditions like glaucoma, our team of optometrists and ophthalmologists work together to provide comprehensive eye care tailored to your needs.

CALL NOW: (212) 531-2020

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT