Anophthalmologistspecializes in vision, medical, and surgical care of the eyes.
As physicians, ophthalmologists are the only healthcare providers trained to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
Ophthalmologists are often confused withoptometrists(who treat certain eye disorders but do not perform surgery).
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
Opthalmologists vs. Optometrists
Ophthalmologists and optometristshave different levels of training and levels of care.
They often work together in the same office but have different responsibilities for your eye health.
More complex imaging or exploratory tests may be conducted in a hospital or medical facility.
Examples include:
Treatment
Unlike optometrists, ophthalmologists can perform more sophisticated medical procedures and surgeries.
Training and Certification
An ophthalmologist is amedical doctor(MD) or anosteopathic doctor(DO).
This step in the process can last between three and eight years.
Among them:
Some autoimmune diseases, includingGraves' diseaseand rheumatoid arthritis, can cause related eye conditions.
So canmyasthenia gravis, a neurological disease, as well asMarfan syndromeand certain genetic conditions.
Summary
Ophthalmologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat eye diseases and other problems involving the eyes.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is an ophthalmologist?
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is an opthalmologist vs. optometrist?
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Eye exam and vision testing basics.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Fluorescein Angiography.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.List of urgent and emergent ophthalmic procedures.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Differences in education between optometrists and ophthalmologists.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Training and certification for ophthalmologists.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.20 Reasons to See an Ophthalmologist.
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