Choosing the right doctor to help you with your eye care needs is an important step in your vision health. To make the best choice, it’s helpful to understand the difference between the two main types of eye doctors: optometrists and ophthalmologists.
What is an Optometrist?
An optometrist, or doctor of optometry (DO), is a healthcare professional who examines, evaluates, and treats vision disorders and other conditions that affect eye health. While an optometrist’s scope of practice varies from state to state, specific types of eye care provided by an optometrist include:
- Prescription lenses, such as contact lenses or eyeglasses, to correct refractive problems
- Vision therapy (focusing on cognitive, perceptual, and sensory-motor aspects to vision problems)
- Prescription medications and drops
What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a doctor with a medical degree (MD) who focuses on vision and eye care. Like optometrists, ophthalmologists can perform eye exams and prescribe eyewear and medications. Unlike optometrists, ophthalmologists can perform eye surgery, including Lasik procedures and cataract removals.
How do I choose the right eye doctor for me?
You can see either an optometrist or ophthalmologist for eye exams or prescription lens fittings. You may want to see an optometrist if you need:
- A routine eye examination (no active eye health problem)
- Pre- or post-operative eye care (if you need eye surgery)
Conversely, you’d want to see an ophthalmologist if you need:
- Any kind of eye surgery
- Evaluation or treatment for a pre-existing eye disease
No matter eye doctor you see, it’s important to choose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable. Be sure to check with your insurance provider, as well.
Contact Lone Star Vision Today!
At Lone Star Vision, we want to help you find the “best fit” eye doctor for you and your vision health needs. We provide comprehensive eye exams for adults and children, Lasik eye surgery, and corrective lens prescriptions, including designer eyeglass wear. If you live locally to the Plano or Celina, TX area, call one of our offices today to schedule your next eye check up.