Looking for the right eye care specialist who offers holistic services can take time. After all, you will be trusting your eye doctor to safeguard your precious vision and help you maintain a lifetime of good sense of sight. There are three types of eye specialists. The two primary types of eye specialists are ophthalmologists and optometrists. The third type is Opticians, who are general eye care providers. Depending on your eye care requirements, you can decide which one to consult. But you can easily make an informed decision once you know the types of services provided by each.
In this blog, we will provide you with the types and differences in eye care specialists and a few factors to help you choose an eye doctor that is perfect for you.
Who are Optometrists?
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary-level eye care services. They have to complete an optometry program or doctor of optometry degree for four years post-college. After the four years of the program degree, they need to complete two to four years of professional clinical training to start practicing.
They are ideal for routine management of common eye issues and carrying out the diagnosis of eye conditions. They also lend corrective support by prescribing medications or eyewear. In a few countries, optometrists are licensed to perform minor eye surgeries.
Who are Ophthalmologists?
Ophthalmologists are healthcare professionals who provide primary and secondary eye care services. They need to complete a medical degree or osteopathic medicine. Thereafter, they need to take a one-year internship and at least three years of residency. This intense level of intensity equipped ophthalmologists to treat all eye conditions. They also perform surgical eye procedures and provide post-surgical rehabilitation care.
While ophthalmologists can provide all-round eye care services, their post-graduation specialization leads them to practice and gain knowledge in a specific area of surgical eye care. You can find ophthalmologists who specialize in cataract and refractive surgery, anterior segment surgery, and treat cornea and glaucoma disease, etc., and who take up ocular ophthalmology, pediatrics, neurology, and others. They can also prescribe medications and eyewear for vision correction.
Which Eye Doctor Should I Consult: An Ophthalmologist or An Optometrist?
The type of doctor you need depends on the severity of your eye condition. If your eyes are healthy and you only need a routine test, consider visiting an optometrist to keep them in check. Since optometrists are primary eye care specialists, they can manage, treat, and diagnose certain eye conditions. Optometrists are licensed to perform surgeries in a few states and countries. An optometrist treats general eye problems such as dry eyes, itchiness and redness, and eye infections.
They also prescribe medications and eyewear; you can visit if you need:
- Adaptive lenses
- Anti-glare lenses
- Blue cut lenses
- Computer glasses
- UV glasses
- Anti-scratch glasses
- Other visual aids
But, if you are experiencing symptoms of extreme eye strain and want to check for the presence of any severe eye diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, etc. It is vital to seek emergency help from an ophthalmologist. Since they provide primary + secondary eye care, they can perform minor to major surgeries. Ophthalmologists also provide post-operative care and carry out diagnostic tests and eye management. They also prescribe medications and eyewear, including:
- Adaptive lenses
- Anti-glare lenses
- Blue cut lenses
- Computer glasses
- UV glasses
- Anti-scratch glasses
- Other visual aids
Factors When Choosing an Eye Care Specialist
Before you choose an eye doctor, here are some of the important factors that you need to consider:
1. Type of Doctor
The first step in choosing an eye doctor is to determine whether you need an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. This also relies on the type of services you are looking for and the degree of severity of the eye condition.
Sometimes, your optometrist might suggest you to an ophthalmologist to treat your complicated eye condition.
2. Experience Level
The eye practitioner you choose must have considerable qualifications and experience level. You can gauge her/his experience by the number of years spent in practice and the skill of the doctor in handling several eye conditions, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures. The more years the doctor has been in the profession, the stronger the experience.
3. Check Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patients’ feedback and experiences with a doctor can provide a lot of insight into the expertise of the doctor. You also interact with past/present patients and ask them about their experiences and results. Some of the few things you can ask- quality of care, expertise, managerial efficiency, wait times, communication style, and customer support.
The Bottom Line
Looking for an eye care specialist is a long-term investment since your eyes need constant supervision and a lifetime of quality care. Weigh the factors given above to make an informed decision when making an appointment. These will help you choose the right eye doctor to provide you with a lifeline of good vision.
