Ophthalmologist Vs. Optometrist
Ophthalmologist
An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who goes to medical school, and then does a residency in ophthalmology. An ophthalmologist has the training and technology to diagnose diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, macular degeneration at stage 1 and know how to treat them. Ophthalmologists can also perform necessary vision saving surgeries. An ophthalmologist is the first step in your journey to seeing clearly the rest of your life.
Optometrist
Optometrists are great resources for eye exams, vision tests, prescribe corrective lenses/contacts, and basic eye care. Optometrists are not medical doctors, but doctors of optometry. On average optometrists have the technology to diagnose diseases at stage 3 or stage 4 of their progression. Once they recognize these potential issues, they will send the patient to an opthamologist for a confirmation of their diagnoses and then treatment.
WHO SHOULD YOU SEE?
In a perfect world, you should see both!
Oftentimes people will go and get new glasses from an optometrist, and then their vision will change suddenly due to a larger issue in their eyes such as macular degeneration or cataracts (which affects everyone over the age of 55). Now the expensive glasses you just bought are useless.
Do yourself a favor and visit an ophthalmologist near you first. They will be able to look deep in your eyes, treat any underlying issues, and stop any rapid changes in your vision, and then the ophthalmologist can recommend you to the best place to go get new glasses that will last.
If you have any questions, we can help. Please call us at 727-738-5900 if you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment today.
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