A Guide On Eye Care Specialists
Posted on: 24 June 2021
Whom do you see for eye care? This question is crucial for maintaining vision. Eye-care is an integral element of healthcare services. There are different eye care specialists, including an ophthalmologist, optometrist, and optician. An eye appointment with any of these specialists depends on the eye problem. This post highlights the role of different eye care professionals and their services.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a specialist who offers comprehensive eye care services. The ophthalmologist provides medical care and surgical care for the eyes and visual system. Such services focus on preventing and managing eye diseases and injuries. Typically, an ophthalmologist may be a doctor of medicine who diagnoses and treats diseases. Alternatively, the specialist can be doctors of osteopathy dealing with the loss of body structure or function due to illnesses.
The following are the primary services you can get from an ophthalmologist:
- Vision services like eye exams
- Surgical care for cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye problems
- Medical care for eye conditions like iritis and glaucoma
- Diagnosis and treatment for eye conditions
Optometrist
An optometrist provides primary health care for the eyes. Typically, an optometrist has completed a doctor of optometry degree. More so, the optometrist may have additional clinical training or medical residency in a specialist field. Broadly, optometrists have the skills to examine eye systems to detect diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. In addition, an optometrist can diagnose and treat vision conditions like farsightedness or nearsightedness. Besides, they can conduct tests to examine one's ability to focus and coordinate eyes or see colors and depths. Significantly, the optometrist can recommend eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision aids and therapy, and medication for eye care. However, unlike an ophthalmologist, the optometrist cannot conduct eye surgeries or manage all eye diseases.
Opticians
Opticians work with ophthalmologists and optometrists during the eye care processes. However, opticians cannot treat eye conditions or give eye exams. Instead, opticians are eye care professionals who focus on eye-glasses-related services. Usually, the optician helps check lens prescriptions, take facial measurements, and provide the best frames. Notably, the optician can provide, adjust, and repair eyeglasses and contact lenses.
How do you select an eye specialist?
There is no one-fits-all answer when it comes to selecting an eye care specialist. Usually, the choice will depend on the patients' needs. For instance, if you have a primary eye care issue, an optometrist is the best choice. Then, you should see an ophthalmologist for eye surgery and severe eye disease. Lastly, you can contact an optician for eyeglasses or eye contact issues. Notably, an eye clinic will support you in making this decision.
Eyesight is one of the most important human senses. Seek prompt medical care for any eye disease and condition. Importantly, engage the services of a specialized eye care professional.
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