What Is an Ophthalmologist?
What kind of training does an ophthalmologist have?
In the United States, ophthalmologists complete four years of college, four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and at least three years of hospital-based residency training in ophthalmology.
Some continue with fellowship training in subspecialties such as retina, glaucoma, cornea, pediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, or oculoplastics.
What kind of training does an ophthalmologist have?
Ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye care. That can include routine eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of eye disease, care for eye problems related to other health conditions such as diabetes.
They provide prescriptions for medications, and surgical treatment for more complex eye conditions or injuries.
Understanding the Eye Care Team
Optician
An optician is not a physician. Opticians help fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses based on a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, and they help make sure eyewear fits comfortably and correctly.
Optometrist
Optometrists are doctors of optometry who provide vision care and can diagnose and treat many eye problems, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and prescribe medications, but they do not perform eye surgery.
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MD or DO) trained in both medicine and surgery. They can provide general eye care while also handling advanced medical eye diseases, surgical care, and urgent vision interventions.
When should you see an ophthalmologist?
You should seek prompt medical attention for sudden vision loss, new flashes or floaters, severe eye pain, or a serious eye injury. Sudden vision loss is considered a medical emergency.
Why this matters
Knowing the difference between ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians can help you get the right care at the right time.
For routine vision care, an optometrist or ophthalmologist may both be appropriate. For medical eye disease, surgical care, or urgent vision changes, an ophthalmologist may be needed.
