Eye Care Providers
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/
Sometimes, your primary care provider can treat an eye problem. Other times, you need to see an eye care specialist. There are 3 main types of eye care providers:
- ophthalmologists
- optometrists
- opticians
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist:
- is a licensed medical doctor (MD) specializing in eye problems and surgery
- is trained in all aspects of eye and vision care
- diagnoses, treats, and prevents eye problems
- diagnoses and treats diseases of the body that affect the eyes
- prescribes medicines, glasses, and contact lenses
- does eye surgery and laser procedures when needed
- has completed 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 1 year of hospital internship, and 3 years of residency
Some ophthalmologists specialize in certain parts of the eye, such as the cornea or retina. These specialists have an additional 1 or more years of training.
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist:
- is a licensed healthcare provider specializing in eye problems (a doctor, but not an MD)
- examines, diagnoses, and treats eye diseases and vision disorders
- tests vision and prescribe glasses, contacts, or eye exercises
- has completed 4 years of optometric college after 4 years of college
If you need surgery or other specialized eye care, an optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist.
What is an optician?
An optician:
- prepares, fits, adjusts, and repairs glasses and contact lenses
- helps you select glasses that will suit your needs
- is not able to prescribe glasses or contact lenses
Not all states license opticians. In the states that do, opticians must have a high school diploma, and take special training in order to be licensed.
Reviewed for medical accuracy by faculty at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. Web site:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2010-10-27
Last reviewed: 2011-10-10
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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