There is a big difference between .....
Ophthalmologist vs Optometrist
One of the most common mistakes many patients make is to consider an optometrist and ophthalmologist as the same position, however there is a huge difference between the two.
Optometrists are usually the primary health provider for normal vision problems and yearly checkups. The position requires a Doctor of Optometry degree and a license, and allows the diagnosing for common vision acuity problems like farsightedness and nearsightedness, prescribing corrective eyeglasses, contact lenses, dispensing and prescription of certain medication, plus testing for eye diseases and conditions. Optometrists can handle all this, usually in their own office or for a firm.
Ophthalmologists can perform the same functions as optometrists, but are considered a higher position as they actually are medical doctors with Doctors of Medicine or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine degrees who specialize in the eyes and vision care.
This means an ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat highly complicated eyes issues, can perform surgeries like Lasik and repair retinal damage, and can handle more area specific cases in vision care. The main difference between the two eye-related careers is that an ophthalmologist can handle surgeries and other issues that require more training on the medical side....
...and then there are opticians, those that most of us see to get a gross eye exam, determine corrective lens needed, take frame measurements, etc. Required education level for opticians is.... HS diploma.
Hardly ever find an opthomologist at a Lenscrafters or such.
“And then there are opticians, those that most of us see to get a gross eye exam, determine corrective lens needed,”
Opticians can’t do those things in my state, doubtful in others.
Interesting. I had no idea. I love FREEPERS. You keep us straight on information and I love it. Thank you so much!!!!!!!