Selecting the right eye doctor is important. While it is essential to find someone with whom you and your goals are compatible, you also need to be certain you are visiting the proper doctor. It makes little sense to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist when you really should be talking to an optometrist.
The Right Eye Care Provider
Eye care attracts several different types of professionals. If you are enduring any form of eye-related health issues, chances are you will need to discuss this problem with your regular medical provider. He or she will then send you off to one of two eye doctors. These are the ophthalmologist and optometrist. Who will see you, will depend upon the specific type of eye problem you possess – the characteristics you are exhibiting.
Ophthalmologist
If your doctor wishes you to see an ophthalmologist, chances are the problem is complex and requires surgery. These licensed surgeons are doctors of osteopathic medicine. They do not address simple eye disorders or conditions. Instead, they focus on surgical options. While they do perform eye examinations and diagnose diseases, they do not deal with patients who have regular eye requirements. They leave this to the optometrist.
Optometrist
This type of eye doctor has a singular goal. It is to check your eyes thoroughly. As generalists, they examine, treat eye diseases and disorders medically and write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are responsible for considering the day-to-day matters that can affect your ability to see. Within this category, some specialize in treating low vision.
The Right Eye Doctor for Your Needs
Like all branches of medicine, those who focus on vision are not a homogenous group. They have the same goal – helping those with vision problems, but focus on a specific aspect. Some, like optometrists, are generalists while others, like ophthalmologists, are surgical specialists. Which eye doctor will best serve your needs?
