Many people have to go to the eye doctor for various reasons. These individuals may have an eye infection, or they may just need to renew their prescription. The two most common types of eye doctors are called ophthalmologists and optometrists. But how do you choose between these types of doctors?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical care and treatment of conditions and diseases of the eye. Some ophthalmologists also provide general vision care services which include prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. The ophthalmologist is the only eye doctor that is also a medical doctor and is board-certified.

The Ophthalmologist has the degree Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and is a primary and secondary, medical/surgical eye care provider. This  Doctor has completed four years of college, four years of medical school and four years of residency and internships relating to the diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, of diseases of the eye.  Ophthalmologists may also perform intricate surgical procedures including  cataracts removal  and lens implant, corneal transplant, glaucoma surgery and various laser procedures.

Optometrists are eye doctors of optometry (OD). They are trained to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage some diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system. The optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education and four years of professional education at an accredited college of optometry. In addition, some optometrists may have completed a one-year optional residency in a specialized area. Optometrists have not attended medical school.

An optometrist is an O.D.  (Doctor of Optometry) and an ophthalmologist is an M.D. (Medical Doctor), but in most cases the major difference is that an ophthalmologist can do surgeries and an O.D. cannot. For routine eye care, including eye exams and even most minor eye injuries, an optometrist is perfectly sufficient.

An Optometrist is a health care professional who is licensed to provide primary eye care services:

• to examine and diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases and, in certain states in the U.S., to treat them;
• to diagnose related systemic (bodywide) conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that may affect the eyes;
• to examine, diagnose and treat visual conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia; and
• to prescribe glasses, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation and medications as well as perform minor surgical procedures such as the removal of foreign bodies.

Optometrist – eye-wear and eye exams, in some clinics – low level eye treatment for diseases.

Ophthalmologist – eye exams, prescriptions and surgeries.

Consider at least four things when deciding on an eye doctor:

• Qualifications: Both ophthalmologists and optometrists must have degrees from accredited medical or optometry schools and be licensed to practice in their state.
• Services offered: Make sure the doctor provides not only a wide range of eye care services, but the service(s) you need.
• Professional experience: Seeing a large number of patients over time could mean a doctor has greater ability to detect and diagnose eye disorders. Ask about research activities, too. Researchers are often more knowledgeable about the newest eye care methods.
• Other patients’ degree of satisfaction: Ask family members, friends, and/or colleagues about the eye doctors they’ve seen. How satisfied are they with their eye care? This is a strong indicator of how satisfied you will be. When you visit an eye doctor, take note of how you’re treated. Ask yourself whether you feel comfortable and confident with your choice. If not, keep looking.

You should always select an eye care specialist with the correct training to meet your individual vision needs. If you have complicated vision problems or health conditions your best bet is likely an ophthalmologist. You may need to see a doctor of optometry for non-complicated vision problems or if you need a prescription for corrective lenses.