A Guide to the Different Types of Eye Care Professionals

Taking care of your eyesight should be a priority since it’s one of your most important senses. Routinely scheduling eye exam appointments can help in the early detection and treatment of vision-threatening conditions. During your visit, you’ll also know if you need to update your eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Different types of eye care practitioners can help you protect your eyes and vision. These professionals vary in expertise and provide different levels of care. Read on to learn more.

What Are the Different Types of Eye Care Professionals?

Optometrist 

While optometrists can diagnose and treat common eye conditions, they don’t perform surgeries. They will give you a referral if you need to undergo a surgical procedure. These eye care professionals can examine your eyes and vision. They are licensed professionals who have completed a four-year doctorate in optometry (O.D.) and passed board examinations. Some optometrists accomplish a specialty fellowship or get additional clinical training after optometry school. 

 

An optometrist can provide low-vision aids and vision therapy. They can monitor eye conditions associated with certain diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. If you are experiencing changes in your vision or need an updated eye prescription, you should see an optometrist. 

 

Ophthalmologist 

Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice medicine and perform surgeries. Besides completing four years of education in college, they go through at least eight years of medical and surgical training. Their extensive training allows them to diagnose and treat more conditions than optometrists. 

 

Like optometrists, ophthalmologists can prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. They can diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries. These practitioners perform procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery. Many also participate in scientific research on the causes and cure of eye and vision problems. 

 

While performing an eye examination, they can sometimes detect signs of other health problems. If this is the case, they will refer the patient to another medical doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Diabetes, high blood pressure and autoimmune diseases are some of the most common health conditions that impact vision. 

Optician 

Opticians can’t diagnose or treat eye and vision problems, unlike optometrists and ophthalmologists. However, they can help you select the ideal glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision. They work with optometrists and ophthalmologists to give your eyes the care they need. 

 

You can expect opticians to discuss your vision correction options. They will present lenses suitable for your prescription and eye condition. These trained technicians will fit your prescription eyewear and adjust frames if necessary. They can also give instructions on how to wear and take care of your contact lenses. Often, an optician assists your optometrist or opthalmologist during and after your eye exam. 

 

Orthoptists

The primary focus of an orthoptist is to diagnose and treat eye movement disorders, such as strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye). Problems with the muscles around the eyes and defects in the nerves that allow the brain to communicate with the eyes typically cause these conditions. Individuals who can’t control the movement of their eyes or have abnormal head positions would need to see an orthoptist. 

 

Alongside a team of medical professionals, orthoptists usually help manage visual symptoms of patients suffering from neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis and brain tumors. These professionals work in hospitals, community eye services and rehabilitation centers for patients with neurological disorders. 

 

Do Eye Doctors Have Specialties?

Corneal Specialist

Some ophthalmologists choose a sub-specialty, which requires them to continue their studies and training. They can focus on the cornea, the part of the eye that focuses the light that enters the eyeball. Corneal specialists manage conditions affecting the cornea, such as keratitis, corneal eye disease, corneal infections and severe dry eye. They can also perform corneal transplants and refractive surgeries. 

 

Retina Specialist 

The retina catches the light that enters the eye and converts them into images. Inside the retina are photoreceptors that transform light energy into electrical signals. The signal then goes to the optic nerve and into the brain, allowing you to see your surroundings. An ophthalmologist focusing on this part of the eye is called a retina specialist. They can diagnose and treat retinal eye conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment. 

 

Neurology Specialist

Neurology specialists handle vision problems related to how the eye transmits messages to the brain, nerves and muscles. They are trained to treat double vision and vision loss due to brain-related conditions, including stroke and multiple sclerosis. These specialists can treat patients with brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injury. 

Glaucoma Specialist

A leading cause of vision loss, glaucoma affects the optic nerve. Its symptoms only start to become obvious once the condition has progressed. Regular eye exams can help diagnose and treat glaucoma in its early stages. Glaucoma specialists can treat this eye condition. 

 

Pediatric Specialist

Pediatric ophthalmologists care for infants and children with eye problems. Strabismus and uncorrected refractive errors are some of the most typical eye conditions they deal with. These eye care professionals also specialize in correcting vision differences between two eyes. 

 

Other Eye Care Practitioners

Medical Assistants

An ophthalmic medical assistant can perform different tests to assist eye care professionals while examing your eyes or doing a procedure. 

 

Technicians

Ophthalmic technicians or technologists undergo extensive training. They can help other eye care professionals with more complicated tests and surgeries. For instance, perimetrists utilize advanced equipment to conduct visual field tests.  

 

Nurses

Some nurses can also assist ophthalmologists. Ophthalmic registered nurses are trained in eye care. They can administer medications like prescription eye drops. These practitioners can also help during surgeries.