The Difference Between Ophthalmology and Optometry

Some people may not realize the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist in Norristown, PA. This difference is important to note because it will help you better understand which type of eye doctor you should see.

Ophthalmology

Someone who has studied to be an ophthalmologist typically has completed four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, an internship and then at least three years of residency at a hospital. This person can either be a medical doctor or an osteopathic doctor. An ophthalmologist may:

• Write prescriptions for vision correction accessories, such as glasses and contacts
• Perform eye surgeries to correct vision or treat diseases
• Examine eyes for vision abnormalities and health problems during a comprehensive exam
• Diagnose and treat various eye diseases, such as retinal detachment, dry eyes or cataracts
• Prescribe medications, such as eye drops, to help treat certain eye diseases

If you have an eye disease that may require surgery, an ophthalmologist may be the Norristown eye doctor for you.

Optometry

Someone who has studied to be an optometrist typically has completed four years of undergraduate school and four years of graduate school. This person is typically referred to as a Doctor of Optometry. An optometrist may:

• Prescribe glasses or contacts to correct a patient’s vision
• Provide vision therapy as an alternative method to correct vision issues
• Perform a comprehensive eye exam in Norristown to detect vision problems and eye diseases
• Diagnose and treat eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or low vision
• Write prescriptions for eye drops or other medication to help treat certain diseases

Someone who has no history of eye disease may be better served by an optometrist in Norristown, PA.

Co-Management

Many patients get the best outcome when an optometrist and ophthalmologist work together to treat vision problems and eye diseases. This co-management is beneficial because it allows optometrists to help a patient pre- and post-op, while an ophthalmologist is able to perform the surgery. The main difference between these two eye doctors is that an ophthalmologist may perform surgeries will an optometrist cannot.