What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist?

Question

Yeah both mean an eye doctor but what is the difference between the two?

Answer 1

Both can be called doctors, but the real MD is the opthalmologist. He or she went to a med school, went through residency, etc. and is certified to treat diseases/conditions, do surgery.... An optometrist went to an optomety school and he's the one that checks for vision problems and he/she is the one to go to for contacts or glasses. Both take around 8 years of school, but an MD also has their residency, which is an extra 3 years or so. They require alot of the same classes though, but I'm guessing med school is harder.

Answer 2

Agreed, the optician may or may not be licensed and is primarily responsible for helping customers select and fit eye wear. The optometrist commonly performs refractions that determine what the appropriate lens prescription should be and is responsible for taking care of certain medical conditions. An ophthalmologist is required to complete medical school, extensive postgraduate training, and rigorous licensing. They are the ones that conduct surgery and handle advanced medical conditions.

Answer 3

The Former is the MD who treats eye disorders and the latter is the one conducts eye examination, and prescribes glasses, contact lenses, etc.

Answer 4

Opthamologist is a real doctor and can do surgery on your eyes.

optometrist - measures and fits glasses.

Sorry - but the difference is big!

GOD bless AMerica always.