What Is the Difference Between Optometry and Ophthalmology?

You might not have given a lot of thought to who your eye doctor is. You likely checked out the person and their qualifications, but you just know them as an eye doctor instead of an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

If you're seeing them for routine eye care, they're most likely an optometrist. But if you're seeing them about a medical issue concerning your eye, then you might be seeing an ophthalmologist. The differences between the two have to do with training and what they concentrate on during appointments.

in West Islip, NY, has both optometrists and ophthalmologists on staff, so you can meet all your eye care needs at one location.

Specialized Eye Care vs. Medical Care and Eye Surgery

An optometrist handles general eye care and vision correction testing and dispensing. If you need an eye exam or to get glasses or contacts, you'd go to an optometry office. You'd also go to an optometrist for basic testing for eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as for minor medical issues, such as styes. Optometrists complete a four-year postgraduate program that is specific to optometry.

Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize in eye conditions and eye surgery. For example, they are the ones you go to if you need surgery for a detached retina or if you need treatment for severe eye disease. Ophthalmologists can give you a basic eye exam, too, but their primary focus is surgery and other medical treatment. Ophthalmologists attend medical school and go through internships and residencies like other med students; the eye is their medical specialty.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Eye Care Professionals in West Islip

l in West Islip, NY, has opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists all on staff at the same location. If you find you need both optometry and ophthalmology, you won't have to search around town for another professional; all you have to do is make an appointment with us. Call us at (631) 825-7725 to schedule a consultation.