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What Is the Meaning of an Optometrist, and How Do They Differ from Ophthalmologists?
Eye Disorders
Question #15223
70 days ago
89

What Is the Meaning of an Optometrist, and How Do They Differ from Ophthalmologists? - #15223

Anonymous

I recently went for an eye checkup, and the person who examined my vision was called an optometrist. I always thought eye doctors were called ophthalmologists, so now I’m confused. What exactly is the meaning of an optometrist, and how is their role different from an ophthalmologist or an optician? From what I understand, an optometrist primarily checks vision, prescribes glasses or contact lenses, and detects eye conditions like astigmatism, myopia, and presbyopia. But do optometrists also treat serious eye diseases, or is that something only an ophthalmologist can do? If someone has cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, should they see an optometrist first, or go directly to an ophthalmologist? Also, do optometrists perform any minor surgical procedures, or do they just focus on vision correction? If anyone has been to both an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, how did their care differ? Should I always see an optometrist for basic vision problems before consulting an ophthalmologist?

Optometrist meaning
Ophthalmologist vs optometrist
Eye care specialists
Vision correction
Optometry
Eye health
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70 days ago
4.82
An optometrist is a primary eye care professional who examines vision, prescribes glasses or contact lenses, and detects common eye conditions like myopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. However, they do not perform major surgeries or treat serious eye diseases—those are handled by ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors specializing in eye diseases, surgery, and advanced treatments for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders. An optician, on the other hand, fits and dispenses glasses based on prescriptions from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If you have a general vision issue, seeing an optometrist first is fine, but for serious conditions like cataracts or glaucoma, consulting an ophthalmologist directly is recommended.
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