Choosing an Eye Care Professional

Regular eye exams are an important part of routine health care. There are three different types of eye care professionals usually involved in a person's eye care.

Optometrists are doctors who perform annual examinations to treat any vision problems and detect signs of disease and abnormal conditions. Examinations may also include testing for color perception, depth, and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometrists must be licensed, have a Doctor of Optometry degree, and pass a state board examination.

If a person required medical or surgical care for an eye disease or an eye injury, he or she will seek the assistance of an ophthalmologist . Ophthalmologists must acquire a Doctor of Medicine degree, a broad knowledge of general medicine, and clinical training. This provides them with enough experience to diagnose and treat all types of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are the only eye care professionals certified to perform surgery on the eye. A subspecialists has undergone additional years of medical training exclusively in their chosen area of expertise, for example, retinal diseases, glaucoma, cornea or pediatrics.

Finally, a person who requires contact lenses or glasses will seek the help of an optician. An optician fills lens prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses, written by the optometrist or ophthalmologist. Opticians are not responsible, nor trained, for eye examinations or treatment solutions for eye disorders.