Ophthalmologist, optometrist, optician: What is the difference and which is the best choice for your eyes?

In terms of eye care, there are three main types of eye professionals: ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. Keep reading for a quick look at these three eye specialists:

What is an ophthalmologist? What kind of treatment do they provide?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in ophthalmology, a branch of medicine and surgery focused on diagnosis and treatments of conditions affecting the eye. 

Ophthalmologists have the highest level of education in medicine, which allows them to both diagnose and surgically treat eye diseases. They  must complete a full medical program (four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school) as well as one year medical or general surgical residency, three years of ophthalmology residency where they engage in hands-on care for patients and study eye disease and surgical methods. They may also pursue one to two years of additional specialized training or fellowship, which may focus on specific areas or diseases such as glaucoma, retinal or corneal diseases, pediatrics, neurology, or plastic surgery.

Ophthalmologists offer the following services:

• Vision services, including eye exams and prescription of eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Medical eye care (for conditions such as iritis, glaucoma, chemical burns, etc.)
• Surgical eye care (for trauma, cataracts, glaucoma, strabismus, etc.)
• Diagnosis and treatments for eye conditions linked to other illnesses, such as arthritis or diabetes
• Oculoplastics (plastic surgery to correct droopy eyelids or other conditions affecting the eye area)

Many ophthalmologists also contribute to scientific research on the causes, treatments, and cures of eye or vision disorders.

What is an optometrist? What kind of treatment do they provide?

An optometrist, on the other hand, is not a medical doctor but a doctor of optometry (OD). Optometrists act as primary health care providers for routine eye care, providing comprehensive medical and optical eye services, with the exception of surgery. Depending on the state, they are trained and licensed to prescribe all topical medications (prescription eye drops, etc.), most oral medications, and to administer diagnostic agents.

Doctors of Optometry typically complete four years of undergraduate study followed by four years of Optometry school. Optometry study is highly specific to the eyes and related structures and includes intensive study of basic and advanced eye examination techniques, client case history and studies, as well as additional courses in the natural sciences and pharmacology. Optometrists also complete 1-2 years of full-time clinical residency training and must complete regular continuing education courses to keep up-to-date with current advances in optometry and practice and maintain licensed.

Optometrists offer the following services:

• Routine or annual eye exams and vision tests
• Prescription and fitting of eyeglasses, contact lenses and other visual aids
• Management and treatment of chronic eye conditions like glaucoma or dry eye
• Monitoring and follow-up of eye conditions related to other illnesses (diabetes, etc.)
• Providing low-vision aids and vision therapy (orthoptics, etc.)

What is an optician? What kind of treatment do they provide?

An optician is a customer service representative in a vision care center or optometrist’s office. Opticians are not eye doctors and so cannot give eye exams or prescribe medications. 

Opticians are not required to have a specific degree and become certified by completing a 1- to 2-year training program, such as an associate’s degree, for example.

Opticians perform the following services:

• Reception and filling of eye prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists
• Measuring, fitting, and adjusting eyeglass frames
• Assisting customers in choosing eyeglasses, contacts, and other vision aids and accessories
• General office duties involved in running a vision center or optometry office

Opticians can also answer general questions about eye care, but cannot examine, diagnose, or treat eye conditions.

Which professional should you consult for your eye needs?

Ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians are all eye care professionals with different areas of specialization and expertise. Choosing the right eye care professional will depend on your needs. 

If you are having trouble with your vision and think you may need eyeglasses or contact lenses, seeing an optometrist may be a good place to start. The optometrist can perform a comprehensive eye exam and if there is anything of concern, refer you to an ophthalmologist.

If you have an eye condition, have another health condition that also affects the eyes, or need eye surgery, it is advisable to see an ophthalmologist. It is also a good idea to consult a ophthalmologist if you have not had a comprehensive, dilated eye exam by 40 years of age, even if you haven’t noticed any issues with your eyes or vision.

If you’re prescribed or are renewing eyeglasses, contacts, or another vision aid, an optician will be there to help you choose the best option for you.

To find an eye care specialist near you, feel free to consult the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s search tool here for an ophthalmologist, or the American Optometric Associations search tool here for an optometrist.

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