When you’re having eyesight problems, what Eye care clinic should you go to? You only have one pair of eyes so it would be wise to take care of them while your eyes are still healthy and your eyesight is still clear. However, if you start having vision problems, you need to have your eyes checked by the right eye doctor.
There are three distinct types of eye doctors – an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, and an optician. The level of training each eye doctor receives is different. Let’s check out how they differ from each other and what services they offers.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is an eye medical doctor specializing in vision and eye care. Their level of training is what sets them apart from opticians and optometrists. To become an ophthalmologist, one must complete a college degree and eight years of medical training.
Ophthalmologists are qualified to practice medicine and perform surgeries. They also diagnose and provide treatments for all forms of eye diseases. In addition, ophthalmologists prescribe and dispense contact lenses and eyeglasses to fix vision problems. Some ophthalmologists prefer to do research to find cures for vision disorders and eye diseases.
They may also choose to subspecialize in different areas whether it’s surgical or medical eye care. This will require at least one to two years of in-depth training. Examples of areas ophthalmologists can subspecialize include neurology, pediatrics, cornea, retina, plastic surgery, and glaucoma.
Optometrist
Optometrists offer primary vision care. Some of the services they offer include sight testing, correcting visual problems, diagnosing, managing, and treating vision changes. What makes them different from ophthalmologists is that an optometrist isn’t a medical doctor. However, they are required to complete a four-year doctor of optometry degree and must acquire a license before they are allowed to practice. Some of the services they offer include vision tests, eye exams, dispensing of corrective lenses, identifying eye problems as well as prescribing medications.
Optician
Opticians are eye technicians who received proper training so that they can design and fit contact lenses, and eyeglass lenses to correct problematic eyesight. The prescriptions they use are supplied by optometrists and ophthalmologists. Unlike the other eye doctors, opticians are not allowed to test vision nor are they licensed to write prescriptions. They are also not trained to diagnose and treat eye problems.
How Do You Take Care of Your Eyesight?
It’s true when they say that you only get to appreciate what you have unless it’s taken away from you. People who used to have a clear vision and who are now having problems with their eyesight regret not taking good care of their eyes when they were still healthy. When your vision is impaired, your quality of life will be affected negatively. You won’t be able to drive and work well.
A lot of factors contribute to poor eyesight such as diseases. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the most common health problems that affect your eyes. It’s also hereditary. If you have a family member who has a history or has been diagnosed with an eye disease you’ll likely develop it as well.
To help keep your eyesight in tiptop shape eye doctors recommend you get a medical eye exam by the time you reach forty years old. As for the frequency, that will depend on your eye medical doctor.
If you have a genetic predisposition to eye diseases then you can see an eye doctor as early as possible to have your eyes examined and your eyesight checked.
Takeaway
There you have it, the three different eye doctors explained including their qualifications, level of training, and the services they offer. If you need eye care, you now know who to go to.