Choosing a Doctor For Your Eyes

With so many options available, people are sometimes unsure about what type of professional they should see.  Do they need an optometrist?  An ophthalmologist?  An optician?  And how should they go about choosing?  Understanding the differences can help make the decision a little easier.  There are also several other things to keep in mind when selecting an eye care professional.

Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, or Optician?

Though the titles sound similar, there are some significant differences between them.

• An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor.  They have completed medical school and then continued their education getting more years of specialized training.  They diagnose and treat medical conditions and diseases of the eye as well as taking care of all aspects of vision care. They also perform surgery. For some very complex problems, an ophthalmologist may even refer you to a more highly specialized doctor, such as a retina specialist.
• An optometrist has their Doctor of Optometry. They have completed four years of optometry school.  Optometrists perform vision screenings, manage vision changes, and diagnose and treat some eye conditions.
• An optician does not test vision or diagnose or treat eye problems.  They are responsible for using a patient’s prescription to design a pair of eyeglasses or contacts that meet their needs.  They make sure that these devices fit well and can provide repairs.  Patients often interact with an optician after an ophthalmologist or optometrist has tested their vision and written a prescription for corrective eyewear.

When choosing an eyecare professional, patients should consider their overall health and any vision concerns that they may have.  Either an ophthalmologist or optometrist can provide basic care and screenings, but an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who is trained to diagnose and treat medical eye conditions and diseases.

For the complete article, visit:

http://weeklytimes.com/niki-silverstein-eye-doctor/

Niki Silverstein MD, is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist at Silverstein Eye, 408 Main Street in Chester. With over 25 years of experience, she is renowned for her treatment of eye diseases and state-of-the-art surgery. Visit www.SilversteinEye.com or call 908-879- 7297 for more information.