Optometrist VS Ophthalmologist: Who Should You Go To?

Routine visits to the eye doctor are necessary for maintaining the good health of your eyes. If you feel that there is something wrong with your vision or experiencing discomfort in your eyes, you must consult a specialist immediately. You can either go to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist if you have issues with your eyes. 

Read on to discover which eye exam doctor you should visit for your eye condition. 

Optometrists VS Ophthalmologists

An optometrist attends optometry school for four years and usually do a year of residency. Meanwhile, an ophthalmologist goes to medical school for four years and does a four-year residency. Also, an ophthalmologist typically does a fellowship for one to two years. They can choose a specialty like glaucoma or pediatrics. Ophthalmologists will have an MD or DO following their name while optometrists will have an OD after their names. 

Who Should You Go To?

Both optometrists and ophthalmologists can prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. The main difference between the two professions is that an ophthalmologist performs surgeries while optometrists don’t. Ophthalmologists are surgeons who can also treat eye diseases. States may indicate which conditions optometrists can treat while ophthalmologists can treat all eye diseases.

For eye exams and prescriptions, you can go to both eye doctors. Usually, an optometrist is the better option for those who need more contacts. On the other hand, those who need surgeries should consult an ophthalmologist. It’s the same for serious conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. 

For your eye care needs, you can depend on Lumen Optometric. We offer a wide range of services, including eye exams, dry eye treatment, and corneal reshaping therapy. Call us at (626) 921-0199 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.