An eye doctor is a person who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems and diseases. They may work in various settings, including an office, a hospital, or a medical clinic. This professional is sometimes referred to as an optometrist and is licensed to examine your eyes, prescribe lenses and medicine, diagnose problems and perform other tasks related to eye health.
Optometrists can be self-employed or work for an eye care practice.
They may specialise in one area of eye care, such as pediatric vision care or contact lenses and lens fitting, or they may be generalists who perform all types of eye exams and help people with their vision problems.
An optometrist is licensed to examine your eyes.
Optometrists are doctors who specialise in treating vision problems and eye diseases. They can examine your eyes, diagnose problems and perform other tasks related to eye health.
Optometrists are also trained to examine eyes for vision problems and diseases. Some optometrists can prescribe medicine or contact lenses as part of their treatment plan.
Duties
There are many duties that an eye doctor performs. They are not surgeons. An eye doctor diagnoses and treats eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, and pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Ophthalmologist vs Optometrist
An ophthalmologist has completed residency training in ophthalmology (the medical speciality devoted to diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the visual system). In contrast, optometrists have completed training in community college programs or 4-year universities. Some states require optometrists to take advanced courses beyond their undergraduate degree requirements before they can practice independently as optometrists (an option available only in certain conditions), while other states do not require any additional education beyond their undergraduate degree program.
For instance, they may examine patients’ eyes for vision problems and diseases.
In addition to providing eye exams, optometrists may:
- Diagnose and treat visual problems using various special tools, including refraction (measuring the power of an eyeglass lens) and diagnostic machines.
- Prescribe corrective lenses and medicines for conditions such as glaucoma or dry eyes.
- Perform other tasks related to eye health, such as fitting contact lenses or treating eye infections with anti-microbial medications.
Your doctor may check for glaucoma or other conditions that could lead to blindness or loss of vision.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can induce blindness. It’s caused by increased pressure in the eye, which can aggravate and damage the optic nerve. The increased pressure can come from a buildup of fluid or tissue inside your eyeball.
After determining if a patient has a vision problem or disease, they can work with the patient to devise a treatment plan that involves prescription glasses or contact lenses. The doctor will also prescribe therapeutic solutions such as artificial tears, special exercises, and medications.
A doctor who specialises in optometrist is trained like a doctor but does not do surgery.
An optometrist is a doctor who specialises in eye health.
They are trained in ophthalmology and can prescribe glasses, contacts, and medication to treat common eye problems.
They cannot perform surgery or treat complex medical issues such as macular degeneration, Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic disease, etc. If you need surgery or have another condition that requires more advanced care than can be provided by your optometrist, they may guide you to an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon).
