An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor that specializes in both medical and surgical matters of the eyes and visual system, as well as the prevention of eye disease and injury. These eye doctors may prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and also treat eye diseases with drugs as well as surgery. Ophthalmologists can be either doctors of medicine (MD) or doctors of osteopathy (DO).
An optometrist is an eye doctor who is professionally licensed to to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage some diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system. An optometrist is not a physician. These eye doctors, referred to as doctors of optometry (OD), can prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. Optometrists do not perform surgery, but may prescribe drugs in most states.
When choosing an eye doctor, consider a candidate's overall qualifications, experience, services offered, and patient satisfaction. Both optometrists and ophthalmologists should be certified through an accredited medical institution and be licensed to practice through the respective state board of optometry or state medical board.
