What is an Ophthalmologist?
The other day a patient asked me, "Dr. Davison, are you an ophthalmologist or an optometrist?" "Well, Mr. so & so," I replied, " I am a medical doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of the eyes. So that makes me an ophthalmologist. Similarly, a cardiologist specializes in treating the heart and a pediatrician cares for children". I then explained what an optometrist was, and then defined an optician. It surprises me how often patients ask these questions, and how many patients do not know the answer. You too may find these "eye" specialties confusing... but not for long.
Dorland's Medical Dictionary clearly defines ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician. I would like to quote these definitions and elaborate a bit on each:
Ophthalmologist: "A physician [a Doctor of Medicine; MD] who specializes in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of diseases and defects of the eye and related structures." In addition to treating serious eye problems, ophthalmologists also perform routine primary eye care including refractions for eyeglasses and the fitting of contact lenses.
Optometrist: "A person [a Doctor of Optometry; OD] trained and licensed to examine and test the eyes and to treat visual defects by prescribing and adapting corrective lenses [glasses] and other optical aids, and by establishing programs of visual training." Until recently, optometrists in New York State have not been allowed to prescribe medications to treat eye diseases. However, new legislation has recently been passed which broadens their scope of practice. They will be permitted to evaluate and treat certain eye infections, inflammations and glaucoma. However, optometrists seeking the qualifications to treat these problems will require special training, some of which must be supervised by an ophthalmologist.
Optician: "An expert [a Certified Optician] in the science, craft and art of optics as applied to the translation, filling and adapting of ophthalmic [eyeglass] prescriptions, products and accessories." This is the person who actually measures you for your glasses (or contacts, if they are a certified contact lens fitter), and makes certain the frames fit properly, the lenses are centered, the bifocal is at the proper height... etc.
Certainly, the ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician each play an important role in the total care of your eyes. Their devotion to their specialties insures that the quality of eye care in our community remains the best possible.
