The difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist offer patients comprehensive vision and eye care. Right from regular eye exams to surgical processes, ophthalmologists are eye surgeons and physicians that attended medical schools for 4 years, completed an internship for 1 year and sometimes a fellowship for 1-2 years. They have earned their MD degree to become an ophthalmologist. Being a specialist in the eye care industry, ophthalmologists should have an active medical practicing license in any state where they are practicing, to make sure their certification and legitimacy is assured as a medical professional. 

This eye specialist will also diagnose regular body diseases and conditions. If a patient experiences any kind of ocular manifestation, the ophthalmologists can diagnose and cure these problems also.
 

On the other hand, optometrists are medical professionals who hold and O.D. degree that is generally obtained in a 4 year program after getting an undergraduate degree. This type of eye specialist can be equally good in diagnosing ocular abnormalities and vision conditions, with some state laws permitting optometrists to treat specific vision conditions through prescriptions. Although optometrists offer basic and secondary vision care to some extent, tertiary vision care is not included in optometry board certification.
 

Most of these eye care specialist’s job comprise of completing vision testing and eye exams, detecting vision related disorders, and removal of foreign objects in the eye, and providing eyewear fitting and dispensing.
 

Both the optometrist and ophthalmologist offer critical ocular health care. As a consumer, it is vital to assess your vision care requirements to determine if the optometrist or an ophthalmologist is an ideal option. Proper research on the eye care service provider will make sure that you get the ideal medical care you want and require.