Introduction
When it comes to eye doctors, you may assume that their abilities, schooling, and the care they can provide are the same. However, optometrists and ophthalmologists (the two most common types of eye doctors) differ in several ways. Thus, to decide which eye doctor you should see for your unique eye care needs, it is necessary to note the differences between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist. In this article, we will cover the main differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists so that you can decide which eye care professional you should see. Let’s begin!
Education
The first significant distinction between optometrists and ophthalmologists is their education. Ophthalmologists obtain an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree, which means they are licensed to practice medicine and surgery. They complete eleven to fifteen years of schooling and are considered specialty doctors. On the other hand, optometrists receive an OD (Doctor of Optometry) degree and complete eight to ten years of education. In most cases*, optometrists do not have medical or surgical permissions.
*note: in some states, optometrists can perform specified surgical procedures
What They Do
Optometrists provide routine eye care and testing, including writing prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses. They might also perform minor procedures, such as the removal of a foreign body from the eye. In some cases, optometrists may be able to identify health issues that affect your vision, such as diabetes. If a disorder of the eye is found or suspected, they may refer you to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Ophthalmologists provide diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of eye disorders. Some ophthalmologists pursue a specialty, such as pediatric ophthalmology (specializing in the ophthalmic care of children) or neuro-ophthalmology (specializing in treating vision issues caused by the way that the eyes interact with the brain, nerves, and muscles). Ophthalmologists generally have the same abilities as optometrists and can also administer surgical eye care and prescribe medications for various eye-related conditions.
Insurance & Billing Differences
Billing for an optometry appointment is often conducted differently than for an ophthalmology appointment. Care provided by an optometrist can be covered by vision insurance because (in most cases) it is predominantly vision-focused. On the other hand, ophthalmologists treat complex eye conditions that may also negatively affect overall health. Consequently, care provided by an ophthalmologist may be billed medically or under vision insurance depending on the nature of the care you require. Note that billing executions may vary between practices. If you have billing-related questions, do not hesitate to discuss them with your eye care provider or their billing professional.
Which is right for you?
Generally, people who do not have an eye disorder, a health issue that affects the eyes, or a family history of either should see an optometrist. They can perform all the necessary testing to determine if you need glasses or contacts. An optometrist may choose to refer you to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive exam if they find or suspect any complex issues.
Those with eye disorders, other health issues affecting the eyes, or a family history of either should see an ophthalmologist. They can diagnose, monitor, and treat complex and vision-threatening eye conditions. Ophthalmologists can also prescribe medications and perform surgeries.
Conclusion
Knowing the differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists can help you make an informed decision about which eye care professional you should see. Optometrists’ care focuses on vision and eye health and the careful monitoring of changes that may suggest an underlying issue. If you want to get your eyes checked for a prescription but don’t have any further concerns, an optometry office would be a great place to start.
On the other hand, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who provide diagnoses and treatment for complex eye conditions. Many are highly specialized, and they can prescribe medications and perform surgical procedures. If you have eye issues or health problems that affect the eyes, or a family history of such it may be a good idea to see an ophthalmologist.
Thank you for reading, and we hope that you found this post informative!
More Helpful Resources:
Very Well Health “Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist: What’s the Difference?”
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