Different types of eye care professionals can help with various eye concerns. Eye clinics or hospitals in your area can provide you with recommendations on who to consult based on your needs or condition. However, it helps to familiarize yourself with the experts who you can consult for specific eye or vision concerns.
Keep reading to learn more about the three types of eye care professionals.
1. Optometrist
Optometrists provide primary vision care and are qualified to perform eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses and conduct vision tests. They can also prescribe medication for certain eye conditions, perform specialized surgical procedures and provide visual rehabilitation.
2. Optician
An optician is a technician that specializes in designing and fitting visual aids like eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses and other devices that will correct one’s vision. These professionals use prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists to confirm and fit the necessary visual aids. Opticians are not qualified to diagnose vision problems or treat eye diseases.
3. Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists have at least eight years of medical school training. They are licensed to practice medicine and perform surgery. They can provide the same medical services that an optometrist offers. But in addition to prescribing and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, an ophthalmologist can also diagnose and treat all eye conditions, perform eye surgeries and conduct scientific research on eye conditions and vision problems.
Some ophthalmologists choose a subspecialty, such as:
- Cornea – A cornea specialist specializes in diagnosing and treating corneal eye conditions.
- Retina – A retina specialist specializes in diagnosing and treating retinal eye conditions.
- Glaucoma – A glaucoma specialist treats the eye condition glaucoma.
- Neurology – A neuro-ophthalmologist specializes in vision problems related to how the eye communicates with the nerves, muscles and brains.
- Pediatric – A pediatric ophthalmologist specializes in treating infants and children with childhood eye conditions.
If you’re looking for reliable eye care professionals, you can talk to the experts at Opti-Care. Call us at (410) 795-8670, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.