What's the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

Both are eye doctors that diagnose and treat many of the same eye conditions. The American Optometric Association defines Doctors of Optometry as: primary health care professionals, who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. They prescribe glasses, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy and medications as well as perform certain surgical procedures.

The main difference between the two is that ophthalmologists perform surgery, where an optometrist would not. For instance: cataract, refractive, or glaucoma surgery.

Optometrists would be involved in all of the pre- and postoperative care of these patients; collecting accurate data, educating the patient, and ensuring proper healing after the procedure. An ophthalmologist is more of a specialist, who would need only to be involved if some kind of surgery was being considered. An optometrist can treat most any eye condition, including the use of topical or oral medications if needed. This might include the treatment of glaucoma, eye infections, allergic eye conditions and others, to name just a few.

A third "O" that often comes up and confuses people is an optician. An optician is not a doctor, and they do not do eye examinations. They do play an important role though in most eye doctors' offices. An optician most often handles the optical and glasses side of things. They help patients pick out the correct eyewear, including the frame and lenses. Many also are trained in the making of glasses in the lab.