What is an Optometrist?
Author: Ham Pato
Knowing precisely what type of professional eye care visit will vary depending on the extent of their visual condition. Patients often come into my office asking for a simple eye exam, not realizing that as an ophthalmologist, my specialty is medical and surgical care of eyes and a Sub-Vitreous-Retinal Specialist, I am focused specifically on diseases and surgery the vitreous and retina. To choose the right doctor is important to know the differences between each professional eye care, such as opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists and Sub-Specialist Ophthalmologist, so you can choose which is more suited to professional needs.
What is an optician?
An optician is a licensed physician trained to design, adapt and deliver corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses. The Optical analyzes and interprets prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists to help determine which corrective lenses are best for you, however, the optical are not allowed to conduct eye exams or to diagnose or treat eye diseases. The Opticians have a certificate of one or two years and be certified in the state where they will be working.
Visit your optician to fill a prescription that gave a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.
What is an Optometrist?
Optometrists, also referred to as Doctors of Optometry are trained to perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and medications to treat eye conditions. Although Optometrists are not trained to perform eye surgery or to treat all diseases and disorders of the eye, may be screened for many eye conditions and detect symptoms caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring patients to other doctors when needed. The most complete four years of college before starting four years of training at the School of Optometry.
Visit your optometrist for check-ups, if you think you need corrective lenses or for review of common eye diseases such as glaucoma.
What is an Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are doctors or doctors of osteopathythat choose to specialize in medical and surgical care of eyes and in the prevention of diseases and injuries eyes. The ophthalmologists are trained in a full spectrum of eye care including everything that makes an Optometrist, but are also qualified to diagnose and treat all eye diseases and perform surgery on complex and sensitive eyes. An ophthalmologist must complete four years of college, followed by four years of medical school for an MD u OD, a one year internship and three years of residency in ophthalmology, which is a training conducted in hospitals on the diagnosis and medical / surgical eye diseases. After completing four years of college and eight additional years of medical training, an ophthalmologist must pass a certificate of two parts conducted by the American Board of Ophthalmology – American Board of Ophthalmology.
See your ophthalmologist if you have serious eye problems such as infection of the eye, lump or swelling of the eyes, or if your visual field has been severely compromised. All adults should visit their ophthalmologist once a year preferably, or at least every two years.
What is a Sub-Specialist Ophthalmologist?
A Sub-specialist ophthalmologist is an ophthalmologist who choose to specialize more concentrated in a specific area of medical or surgical care of eyes. While all ophthalmologists specialize in eye disorders and can treat all conditions, the Sub-Specialists Ophthalmologists continue to study with a research grant (fellowship), which is one or two additional years of hospital training in a specific area vision care.
I have been trained as a Sub-Ophthalmologist Vitreo-Retinal Specialist for over 20 years. My sub-specialty focuses on specific diseases and surgery of the vitreous and retina, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, the two most common causes of blindness.
You must see your Vitreous-Retinal Specialist preferably once a year if over 50 years, diabetic, smoker, have high blood pressure or have a family history of diseases of the retina.
Making the Choice:
The choice of professional eye care is extremely important right, because our eyes are the vehicle through which we see the world. When you are choosing a professional eye care, consider the following factors:
- Professional and Academic Preparation
- Experience
- Services Offered
- Current Customer Satisfaction
The Internet can be a useful tool to investigate these factors. Web pages in their state regulatory boards usually provide a list of health professionals licensed in their path. Additionally, the website of the American Council of Ophthalmologists Ophthalmologists provides information on licenses and sub-specialists that can treat specific eye conditions. Many doctors also have their own website where they list their specialties and qualifications, it is worth reviewing before you make your appointment. The recommendations from friends and family can also help narrow their choices.