Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: What's the Difference?

For us in the Ft. Worth/Dallas area, there are plenty of options when choosing an eye doctor. While most patients tend to choose the closest or the first option that pops into a web search, there are many more considerations that individuals should consider when choosing an eye doctor. When looking for treatments for cataracts or LASIK surgeons Ft. Worth has many options. One of the first tasks is understanding the two main types of eye doctors. 

Optometrist

An O.D. or optometrist (Doctor of Optometry) completes a pre-professional undergraduate study which is followed by earning a degree in a four-year college of optometry. While optometric schools tend to focus less on the other areas of the body and systemic disease processes, students instead concentrate mainly on the eyes and eye health.

It is relatively common for many optometrists to do a postgraduate residency in a specialty area of optometry such as sports vision, vision therapy, primary eye care or family eye care to name a few. They will end being licensed in states to provide eye care services, diagnosis of potential eye diseases and able to provide eye examinations. While some optometrists may be included in post/pre operative care for eye surgeries performed by ophthalmologists, they are generally not licensed nor trained to perform eye surgery on patients. 

Ophthalmologist

In order to qualify as an ophthalmologist, one must have a M.D. or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) after undergraduate studies. After that, the prospective ophthalmologist will typically spend the next three years in a residency program at a hospital or a university to specialize in ophthalmology. During this residency, the prospective ophthalmologist will receive specialized training in as many aspects of eye care as possible. Diagnosis, prevention, surgical and medical treatment of specific eye diseases and conditions will be covered during this individual's residency.

In addition to their residency, ophthalmologists expect to have training to provide a broad area of eye care from eye surgery to prescriptions. Some also provide research about eye conditions and diseases. Some will also obtain additional fellowship training for specific areas (e.g. glaucoma, pathology, cornea, refractive surgery, pediatrics, etc.)

While there are no federal laws or regulations that restrict ophthalmology practice or training, individuals states have their own set of specific laws regarding ophthalmology practices, similar to lawyers with a bar exam. National organizations and state societies also common in the ophthalmology circles. 

Because ophthalmologists have more extensive training in eye functions, different diseases and how eye exams can indicate symptoms of other diseases in the body. In addition, they can recognize how certain medications prescribed by other types of physicians can cause side effects in the eyes. It is possible to have both a quality optometrist who can refer you to a licensed and trusted ophthalmologist for more serious issues.

Texas and the Southwest have many options when searching for an eye doctor. Search for a Ft. Worth vision specialist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in our directory or contact us for our professional recommendations. Knowing the major differences in optometrists and ophthalmologist can go a long way in choosing the right eye doctor for you!