It seems that each specialized doctor has a different name for what they specialize in. Keeping track of these names can be hard for the average person. It’s especially hard when it feels like there are multiple doctor classifications for the same body part. Maintaining good eyesight is extremely important, so it’s of the utmost importance to know which eye doctor you need to see. Here are the main differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists. For more information on eye checkups and going to the right Orange County eye specialist, contact Dr. Ghosheh at Advanced Eye Medical.
What is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is what many consider a “regular” eye doctor. They specialize only in optometry and do not have much medical experience. Rather than receiving a medical doctor degree, optometrists receive a doctor of optometry degree. Essentially, this means that their scope of diagnosis and treatment is limited only to vision and eye trouble exclusively. When it comes to other medical complications and any surgeries, they are not qualified. Although their medical scope includes only the eyes, they are still extremely knowledgeable in that field. You would visit an optometrist if you were looking to get a vision test, get corrective lenses, or have an isolated eye disease diagnosed.
What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is much like an optometrist, except they have had more medical schooling and experience. Instead of receiving a doctor of optometry degree, they have their full medical doctor license. They are essentially an MD that specializes in eyes. At this level, training regarding the eyes is more elevated. Having this additional medical knowledge allows for ophthalmologists to have a more in-depth ability to diagnose and treat diseases and abnormalities.
The biggest difference is that an ophthalmologist is usually the doctor researching and developing treatments, while an optometrist usually helps maintain vision. Another huge contrast is that ophthalmologists are trained for surgery. This allows them to have more options for treatment. Ophthalmologists also have the ability to be even more hyper-focused. They could specialize in a certain part of the eye rather than the whole eye. If an optometrist is your everyday eye doctor, then ophthalmologists are the ones called in for more severe conditions. Dr. Ghosheh at Advanced Eye Medical is a board-certified ophthalmologist and can help you with any vision or eye problems you have.
Which Doctor is Right for You?
The real question that needs to be answered then is this: which doctor do I go to? We have learned that both optometrists and ophthalmologists are eye doctors, but their level of training and ability to perform treatments is what sets them apart. The answer is then dependent on your situation. Both doctors are trained and qualified to help with diagnosis and treatment. The only instance that would require you to see an ophthalmologist over an optometrist is if you need surgery or more in-depth treatment.
Since most people visiting an eye doctor are not medically trained, we really don’t have the knowledge to determine that on our own. So it essentially means that you should see whichever type of doctor you are more comfortable with and is most convenient for you. If a disease is out of the scope of training for an optometrist, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist.
Orange County Eye Specialist
If you suspect something is wrong with your vision, don’t wait to see a doctor. When it comes to something as important as your eyesight, it is in your best interest not to take any risks. Be sure to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist to help with any discomfort you may have. For an expert Orange County eye specialist, contact Dr. Ghosheh today.