The fields of ophthalmology and optometry are often mistakenly thought to be interchangeable. There are distinct differences between the two.
We are sure when we see the prefix "op" that the doctor specializes in eyes. Although many people use the terms ophthalmology and optometry interchangeably,
these are two distinct fields in medicine, though both pertain to the eye.
An ophthalmologist is both a surgical and a medical doctor. He, like other doctors, attends undergraduate school and four years of medical school, but he also does a four-year surgical residency, which includes a one-year internship. Residency is often followed by a fellowship with a fellow doctor who has his or her own practice. Once he has net all the credentials, an ophthalmologist diagnoses diseases of the eye such as microbial and corneal tumors, sclera, and conjunctiva.
In addition to diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye, he can perform related surgeries such as corneal transplants. Some of these eye doctors also take the time for a fellowship or other training in pathology as cancers of the eye are commonly seen, and this allows the patient to keep a close relationship with his or her doctor.
In short, an optometrist deals only with vision. This is the person you normally see for an eye exam, to get a new prescription, or for physical non-diseased diagnosis like ptosis, astigmatism, etc. Sometimes an optometrist becomes interested in the diseases of the eye and earns the additional credentials needed to make proper diagnoses, while he refers patients out for the surgeries that may result from his diagnosis. An optometrist has an undergraduate degree, has gone to medical school and completed his residency. His residency, though it may be completed in a hospital, is not spent on surgical issues.
Though the credentials may share common ground, these two types of doctors specialize in very different fields involving the eye. Another common misconception is that optometry is a stepping-stone to ophthalmology along the line of the CNAs. LPNs, and RNs of nursing. The truth is that for annual vision exams, suspicions of vision loss, new eye wear prescriptions, and perhaps Lasik surgery, an optometrist is the doctor you want to see. For diseases of the eye, like cancers, glaucoma, etc., that will require surgery, and ophthalmologist is the right choice. Often times, a regular visit to the former will raise suspicions and prompt a referral for an exam at an ophthalmology practice.
If you are having eye problems and you are confused about where to turn, a good choice is to see your primary care manager for validation.
