What Is an Ophthalmologist?An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who is able to treat complicated eye problems with surgery or other procedures.Ophthalmologists attend medical school. After that, they have a 1-year internship and a residency of 3 years. That's sometimes followed by a fellowship of 1-2 years.These eye doctors offer complete eye care services:Vision services, including eye exams.Medical eye care, for conditions like , iritis, and chemical burnsSurgical eye care, for trauma, crossed eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and other problemsDiagnosis and treatment of eye conditions related to other diseases, like diabetes or Plastic surgery, to raise droopy eyelids or smooth out wrinklesIn ophthalmology, there are several specialties. They include:Pediatric ophthalmology. These doctors treat eye problems in children. They can perform ophthalmic surgery on children who have crossed eyes or . They can treat retina issues that happen when babies are born early and inflammation that can cause vision loss, among other issues. Neuro-ophthalmology. This type of doctor deals with eye issues that are caused by problems in your or optic nerve. Those can include drooping eyes, uncontrolled blinking, migraines, and eyelid spasms.Ocular oncology. These are doctors who diagnose and treat cancers of the eye, the eyelid, and the eye socket.What Is an Optometrist?Optometrists focus on regular vision care and primary health care for the eye. After college, they spend 4 years in a professional program and get a doctor of optometry degree. But they don't go to medical school. Some optometrists get additional clinical training or complete a specialty fellowship after optometry school. They:Perform and vision testsPrescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lensesMonitor eye conditions related to diseases like diabetesManage and treat conditions like dry eye and glaucomaProvide low-vision aids and vision therapyThere are specialties among optometrists. They include:Pediatric optometry. These providers work with babies, toddlers, and children, using special techniques to test their vision. Neuro-optometry. If you have vision problems that result from a brain injury, this is the type of you might visit.Low-vision optometry. If you have low vision—that means you can't see well enough to perform your daily activities and your sight can't be corrected by glasses or , medicine, or surgery—low-vision optometrists offer devices and strategies that can improve your quality of life.Ophthalmologist vs. OptometristYou may see both an optometrist and ophthalmologist for eye care.You could have regular eye exams and get glasses or contact lens prescriptions from your optometrist. Your optometrist might spot signs of a more complicated eye problem, like cataracts, during your exam. They'll refer you to an if you need medicine or surgery to treat an eye condition.You can also get eye exams and vision correction from an ophthalmologist, if you prefer to see a doctor for your routine eye care.What Is an Optician?Opticians aren't eye doctors and can't give eye exams. They get a 1- or 2-year degree, certificate, or diploma. They fill the prescription your optometrist gives you for glasses or contact lenses. They also:Check lens prescriptionsProvide, adjust, and repair glasses, frames, and contact lensesTake facial measurementsHelp decide which type of lenses and frames will work bestOrder and check products, including contacts and How to Choose an Eye DoctorOne type isn't automatically better than the other. The right choice depends on your needs. The best eye doctor for you should be:Recommended by your doctor, friends, or familySomeone you like and trustA good rule of thumb would be:For primary eye care, you may wish to start with an optometrist. They'll refer you to an ophthalmologist if neededIf you think you need eye surgery for cataracts, glaucoma, or another , an ophthalmologist with the appropriate specialty would be a good place to start.SourcesUpdate HistorySharePrintSOURCES:American Academy of Ophthalmology Medical Library (Medem): "Eye Care Facts and Myths: A Closer Look."Cleveland Clinic: "Eye Care Specialists."Horizon BCBSNJ: "Making Healthcare Work: Glossary."Vision Channel: "What Is an Optometrist?"All About Vision: "Find an Eye Doctor - Optometrist or M.D."All Allied Health Schools: "Become an Optician: Optician Jobs, Optician Schools."American Academy of Ophthalmology: "The Eyecare Team."Prevent Blindness America: "Who's Who in Eyecare?"UT Southwestern Medical Center: "Pediatric Ophthalmology," "Neuro-Ophthalmology."University of North Carolina School of Medicine: "Ocular Oncology."SUNY College of Optometry: "Infants and Children."Concussion: "Future directions in neuro-optometry."National Eye Institute: "Low Vision."American Optometric Association: "Low Vision and Low Vision Rehabilitation."Collaborative Eye: "Introducing Patients to the OD-MD Relationship."SharePrintNext In Eye & Vision BasicsShow more articles More on Eye Health Recommended FEATURED Top doctors in , Find more top doctors on Search Related LinksPoliciesAboutFor Advertisers © 2005 - 2025 WebMD LLC, an company. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. , What Is an Optometrist? Optometrists focus on regular vision care and primary health care for the eye. After college, they spend 4 years in a professional program and get a doctor of optometry, Optometry is the healthcare practice concerned with examining the eyes for visual defects, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye abnormalities. In the United States and Canada, optometrists are those that hold a post-baccalaureate four-year Doctor of Optometry degree..