Getting the best eye care involves choosing the best doctor for your particular vision needs. Some doctors are ideal for basic vision care, whereas others are preferred for more specialized eye-health issues.
Let’s talk about the main differences between the two types of eye doctors, and where you can go here in Washington for the ideal eye doctor for you.
Types of Eye Doctors
There are two main types of eye specialists: ophthalmologists and optometrists. Their similarities and differences are as follows:
What Is an Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists completed medical school, and they are primarily focused on the prevention and treatment of eye diseases. Some of the common eye exams and treatments they perform include:
- Conducting in-depth exams of the eyes
- Prescribing eye medication
- Performing surgical correction of cataracts, glaucoma, and other diseases
- Treating eye injuries
- Testing vision
- Writing prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses
Consult an ophthalmologist if you need:
- Medical care for eye trauma, crossed eyes, cataracts, blurriness, partial blindness, and other eye conditions
- Treatment and diagnosis for eye problems associated with underlying diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
- Plastic surgery for droopy eyelids or eye wrinkles
What Is an Optometrist?
Optometrists can examine, diagnose, and treat basic eye diseases and vision problems. An optometrist earns a doctor of optometry (DO) degree from optometry school, but they are not medical doctors.
Similar to ophthalmologists, they can prescribe eyewear. They can also detect and diagnose vision conditions such as:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
Consult an optometrist if you need:
- A vision exam
- Prescription for eyeglasses and/or contact lenses
- Guidance on how to insert and remove contacts
- Eye medication
Is an Optician an Eye Doctor?
An optician is trained to take a prescription from an ophthalmologist or an optometrist and to craft lenses for glasses, contact lenses, or other corrective visual aids. They also ensure a proper and comfortable fit of the frames for your face and lenses for your eyes. They are not eye doctors, so they cannot perform eye exams or vision tests.
Excellent Eye Doctors in Greater St. Louis, MO
Whether you need an ophthalmologist or an optometrist, come to Advanced Sight Center for your eye care. Our board-certified eye doctors have offices that are conveniently located in Washington, Missouri.
Our physicians stay on top of the latest advancements in eye care, so you can rest assured that you are getting the highest-quality vision care available in the greater St. Louis area. We specialize in the following:
- Cataract surgery
- Diabetic eye care
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma treatment
- Treatment of corneal disorders
We also have an on-site optical boutique where you can shop for glasses, sunglasses, and prescription sunglasses. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, contact our friendly team today by calling us in Washington at (636) 239-1650, or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your vision partner!
