The Differences Between Optometrists And Ophthalmologists And Which One You Should See for Routine Eye Care

When it comes to eye care, there are two primary professionals that you can seek assistance from eye care professionals - optometrists and ophthalmologists. While both are trained to provide eye care, there are some differences between them. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your eye care needs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist and which one you should see for routine eye care.

The Blurring Of Lines Between An Optometrist & Ophthalmologist

The role of the optometrist has evolved over the years into a primary care medical role with a lot of overlap into the role of the ophthalmologist. This has to do with a variety of factors including a major national shortage of Ophthalmologists necessitating mobilizing optometrists to stand in. In the past a clear line was drawn at surgery, however due to the shortage and improvements in technology, as of 2023, 10 states license optometrists to perform certain surgical procedures.

Role of Optometrists in Eye Care

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who are licensed to provide primary vision care. They typically complete a four-year doctor of optometry degree program after completing an undergraduate degree. During their education, optometrists receive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a range of eye conditions, including vision problems, eye diseases, and injuries.

Optometrists can perform routine eye exams to assess the overall health of the eyes and identify any vision problems. They can prescribe corrective lenses, including glasses and contact lenses, to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They may also prescribe medications to treat certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, and provide pre- and post-operative care for certain eye surgeries.

Role of Ophthalmologists in Eye Care

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. They typically complete four years of medical school, followed by a one-year internship and a three-year residency in ophthalmology. Some ophthalmologists may also complete a fellowship to further specialize in a particular area of eye care, such as glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.

As medical doctors, ophthalmologists are licensed to perform eye surgeries and provide a broader range of eye care services than optometrists. They can diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. They can also prescribe medications, perform laser surgeries, and provide pre- and post-operative care for advanced eye surgeries.

Role of Ophthalmologists in Eye Care

For routine eye care, such as a comprehensive eye exam, emergency eye exams, diabetic eye exams, dry eye treatment, or the prescription of glasses or contact lenses, either an optometrist or ophthalmologist can provide the necessary care. However, there are a few factors that may influence which one you choose to see.

An important factor to consider is the availability of the eye care provider. Our optometrists are more widely available than ophthalmologists and may have more flexible hours, making it easier to schedule an appointment. Additionally, our optometrists may be more affordable than ophthalmologists, as their eye care services tend to be less towards the surgical side.

Furthermore our optometrist schedules longer exams and spends more time with the patient to cover their questions and concerns.

Please call us at (562) 925-6591 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our optometrist.

How Can I Find an Optometrist Near Me?

If you're searching for a new optometrist or if our optometry clinic in Bellflower is too far for you, you can find an optometrist near you online by using the phrase “optometrist near me” or “eye doctor near me”.

Learn About Our Experienced Optometrist

Dr. Ikeda, FCOVD, DPNAP, is a leading optometrist in the field of neuro optometric rehabilitation and developmental optometry. He has made profound contributions to the field over the years and uses these expertise to provide the highest quality of eye care to his patients. He was Past-President of the Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF) and of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA). He received the “Founding Fathers Medal” for his continued service to NORA and he was recognized as “Physician of the Year” by the Rehabilitation Nurses Society. He is a clinical associate professor of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry and was inducted as a Distinguished Practitioner into the National Academies of Practice (Optometry Academy).

Common Questions

What is the role of optometry in primary eye care?

Optometry plays a crucial role in primary eye care. Optometrists are trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating vision and eye problems. They provide a range of services, including routine eye exams, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosing and managing eye diseases and conditions. Optometrists also work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive eye care to their patients.

What is the advantage of an optometrist?

One of the main advantages of seeing an optometrist is that they are highly trained professionals who specialize in eye care. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of vision and eye problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Optometrists can also diagnose and manage eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, they can prescribe glasses and contact lenses to improve vision and provide recommendations for promoting and maintaining good eye health. To schedule an eye exam with our eye doctor, please call (562) 925-6591.

What is the difference between routine and medical eye exam?

A routine eye exam is a comprehensive exam that checks your vision and evaluates the overall health of your eyes. This type of exam is typically performed by an optometrist and is used to determine if you need glasses or contact lenses, and to identify any eye diseases or conditions that may require treatment. A medical eye exam, on the other hand, is an exam that is performed to diagnose and manage a specific eye condition or disease. This type of exam is performed by our optometrist and may involve more specialized tests and procedures than a routine eye exam. Examples of medical eye conditions include eye emergencies, dry eye, low vision, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. These exams are typically covered by health insurance, while routine eye exams may not be covered unless there is a medical necessity. Vision savings plans, such as VSP and EyeMed, are savings cards that will typically cover the costs of routine eye exams.

The Differences Between Optometrists And Ophthalmologists And Which One You Should See for Routine Eye Care

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam with Our Eye Doctor In Bellflower for Optimal Eye Health

Understanding the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Please call us at (562) 925-6591 to schedule a visit or drop in to check out our optical.

For those seeking advanced medical eye care visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of medical eye care services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.