What’s The Difference Between an Optometrist And An Ophthalmologist?
In all your years of making sure you get good eye care, you’ve likely come across the terms optometrist and ophthalmologist. The terms can be confusing. While both are eye care professionals, they serve different roles—knowing the difference can help you make the right choice for your vision needs.
What an Optometrist Does
An optometrist is a healthcare professional who provides your basic vision care, as well as the vast majority of your vision needs. This includes performing eye exams, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing common eye conditions, and offering treatment for a variety of vision problems. Optometrists earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree after completing undergraduate studies and four years of optometry school.
In most cases, your routine eye care will be handled by an optometrist in North Syracuse, NY. They check your visual acuity, monitor changes in your eyesight, and keep an eye out for early signs of eye disease. If you need glasses or contact lenses, they’re the ones to turn to. They can also treat conditions like dry eye, eye infections, or eye strain, and may prescribe medications for certain issues.
When You Might See an Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in advanced eye care. In addition to everything an optometrist can do, ophthalmologists are trained and licensed to perform eye surgeries. These include procedures like cataract removal, LASIK, or treatment for serious diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.
Ophthalmologists often work in partnership with optometrists. If an optometrist detects a condition that requires surgical care or more specialized treatment, they’ll refer you to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and management.
Which One Should You See?
For regular eye exams, vision screenings, or help with glasses and contact lenses, an optometrist is the best place to start. If your optometrist finds something that requires surgical attention or a complex diagnosis, they will coordinate care with an ophthalmologist.
Your Eye Health Team
Both optometrists and ophthalmologists play an important role in protecting your vision. Understanding what each does ensures that you’re getting the right level of care at the right time. If you’re unsure where to start, schedule a visit with your optometrist to check for eye disease in North Syracuse, NY—they’ll help guide your next steps.
