But significant improvement occurs during the first few months of life. Their eyes and visual system aren’t fully developed. Helping their child develop his or her vision by engaging in age-appropriate activities.Īt birth, babies can’t see as well as older children or adults, say eye doctors.
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Ophthalmologists can treat all eye diseases, he says.
States may limit which conditions optometrists can treat. Ophthalmologists are surgeons and can treat your medical needs as well.īoth can prescribe medications and treat eye diseases. “Optometrists can handle nearly all the medical aspects of ophthalmology. They earn a doctor of optometry degree.Īnother key difference is whether doctors perform surgery. Optometrists will have an OD after their names. They may focus on such things as glaucoma or pediatrics.Īn ophthalmologist will have an MD (doctor of medicine) or a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) after his or her name. He adds that ophthalmologists often do a one- or two-year fellowship to specialize. “Ophthalmologists go to medical school for four years, followed by four years of residency.” “Optometrists go to optometry school for four years and often do an extra year of residency,” Dr.
Much of the difference comes down to education. How do ophthalmologists and optometrists differ? They work from orders written by optometrists or ophthalmologists. But they don’t give eye exams or write prescriptions themselves. “They do not diagnose or treat eye problems at all,” Dr. They can advise you on frames and certain types of lenses and lens coatings. Opticians can help you select and fit your prescription eyeglasses properly. He also offers examples of what services each may offer. Ophthalmologist Scott Wagenberg, MD, helps answer your questions about what each type of eye doctor can do. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.