What do you call an eye doctor?
It might sound like the beginning to a bad joke, but for many people, it’s an earnest question. There are several kinds of eye health professionals out there, and they’re each qualified to do different things.
Read on to learn what each type of eye doctor does and how they can help with your vision and ocular health.
What Are the 3 Types of Eye Doctors?
When people use the term “eye doctor,” chances are they’re referring to one of three professions: an optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. Of these three, only the last two are considered physicians who see and treat patients.
The difference between an optician, optometrist, and ophthalmologist lies in their training and the services they can provide.
Next, we’ll look at how an optician’s role compares to that of eye doctors. Then, we’ll take a deeper dive into the difference between an optometrist and ophthalmologist.
Optician vs. Eye Doctor
Opticians aren’t doctors—they’re specialized technicians. Opticians typically hold a certification or associate degree. In many states (about half of them), opticians are required to be licensed.
You might interact with an optician before, during, or after an exam with your eye doctor. Services that opticians typically perform include:
- Filling prescriptions from the eye doctor
- Fitting corrective lenses to patients by taking measurements such as pupillary distance
- Educating patients about lens options and coatings, as well as eyewear accessories
- Adjusting and repairing glasses frames
- Managing and ordering eyewear inventory
- Keeping records of patient information and purchases
- Helping patients to navigate vision insurance and submitting insurance information
- Performing other administrative and customer service tasks
Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist
The diagram below illustrates the key differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists. Use it as a handy reference guide when you’re wondering which eye doctor is which.
Both optometrists and ophthalmologists can diagnose, treat, and manage ocular conditions. So, what’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist? It comes down to a mix of educational paths, degrees, and what they focus on as health practitioners.
Optometrists tend to specialize in routine, primary eye care, whereas ophthalmologists tend to subspecialize in certain disciplines and can perform surgical intervention if required.
Is an Optometrist as Good as an Ophthalmologist?
Neither profession is “better” than the other—optometrists and ophthalmologists are different jobs with different responsibilities. Both professions support each other and are a vital part in patients’ eye care. It would be best to see an optometrist for certain eye issues and an ophthalmologist for others.
Training for Optometrists vs. Ophthalmologist
Optometrists are professionals with a Doctorate of Optometry (OD) degree, and as such are considered to be practicing eye doctors. They’re technically not medical doctors, as they don’t have a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD). However, it’s inappropriate to imply that optometrists are not “real” doctors—their training qualifies them to provide dependable primary care for most people’s eyes.
Ophthalmologists have advanced training. They may hold either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Salaries for Optometrists vs. Ophthalmologists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, optometrists had an average salary of about $133,100 in 2022. For the same year, ophthalmologists (excluding pediatric surgeons) had an average salary of about $265,450.
No Matter What They’re Called, Eye Doctors Want the Best For Your Eyes
The important question isn’t “What do you call an eye doctor?”, but “Which eye care professional should you call, and when?” Now that you know the difference between opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists, hopefully you know who to contact when you’re experiencing any eye or eyewear troubles. These professionals might have different roles and educational backgrounds, but they all have your eyes’ best interests in mind.
