What Is an Ophthalmologist vs Optometrist?

The level of training and expertise – and what they are allowed to do for you – are the main differences between the types of ophthalmologists often referred to as "ophthalmologists."

• An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, and the only eye doctor with a medical degree (MD).

• An optometrist is not a medical doctor but is often referred to as an eye doctor because they hold a doctor of optometry (OD) degree.

Ophthalmologist: Eye Specialist With Advanced Medical and Surgical Training

An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic physician who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologist eye doctors differ from optometrists and opticians in their levels of training and in what they can diagnose and treat.

Optometrist: Provider of Primary Eye Care, Vision Exams, and Lens Prescriptions

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from vision testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes.

Ophthalmologists must complete many more years of medical training than optometrists and opticians.
As a result, an ophthalmologist is the most qualified among eye care professionals to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye diseases, beyond the routine eye and vision care provided by an optometrist.