Ophtha-what? The Other Eye Doctors   by Groshan Fabiola

Being an ophthalmologist takes a lot of time, dedication, responsibility, and paper work. Ordering only the best, most effective ophthalmic instruments, finding the right EMR vendors, on top of actually treating patients and performing surgeries, all go into being an ophthalmologist.

What is ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology deals with the anatomy, physiology, and other inner workings of the eye. An ophthalmologist is both a surgical and medical specialist. This means that the ophthalmologist can perform surgeries as well as medical procedures pertaining to the eyes.

How does that differ from optometry?

So if ophthalmology is for eye treatment, why are there optometrists? Well, optometrists handle the general health care of eyes. Being an optometrist includes such responsibilities as:

Examining and diagnosing eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, and the like).

Diagnosing systemic conditions and diseases that affect the eyes, including diabetes and hypertension.

Examining, diagnosing, and treating vision problems

Prescribing glasses or contacts.

The last two are probably what an optometrist is best known for. You would generally see an optometrist for an eye exam.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye and vision care, while an optometrist is a doctor of optometry. An ophthalmologist will also generally train in a sub-specialty, which includes:

Cornea and external disease

Glaucoma

Neuro-opthalmology

Ophthalmic plastic surgery

Ophthalmic pathology

Pediatric ophthalmology

And vitreoretinal diseases

Ophthalmologists can also examine eyes and prescribe glasses, so does that make the optometrist obsolete? Not necessarily. Although ophthalmologists can perform similar duties as an optometrist, it