Advances in eye care, including effective preventive measures, have substantially reduced the incidence of vision problems in the United States—and new technologies and medications should push this progress even further. People rely on two types of eye doctors for vision-related problems: optometrists and ophthalmologists. An optometrist is trained to assess vision problems that require corrective lenses or medication. During a standard eye exam, the optometrist examines the patient’s eyes using an eye chart and ophthalmoscope. If the patient requires corrective lenses, the optometrist writes a prescription that will be fulfilled by a dispensing optician; if a patient has a complication that requires more specialized treatment, the optometrist will refer the patient to an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a physician with specialized training in diagnosing and treating vision problems and eye diseases, including surgical procedures.
Differences Between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists
There are many differences between these two careers. While the individual requirements for each professional will be discussed later, here is a look at the specific differences between an optometrist and ophthalmologist.
- Education. To be licensed as an optometrist, you will need a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in science and four years in an optometry program. Going into ophthalmology is a bigger commitment. You will need to complete a four-year Bachelor’s Degree before finishing four years of medical school, and an additional four to seven years as an intern, medical resident, and fellowship participant in order to get training in this specialization.
- Duties. Known as Doctors of Optometry, or ODs, optometrists are responsible for diagnosing vision problems, such as near- or farsightedness, and eye conditions or diseases, such as glaucoma, hypertension, or diabetes. They prescribe lenses for eyeglasses or contact lenses, treat patients before and after eye surgery, prescribe drugs for eye problems and help patients sustain healthy eyesight.
Ophthalmologists have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree, as well as specialized medical training in eye care and eye surgery. These medical doctors are knowledgeable about the anatomy and function of the eyes, eye conditions and diseases, drug treatments, therapies, and surgical procedures to correct eye problems. In addition to eye surgery, they are licensed to perform all the tasks done by optometrists, including prescribing corrective lens. - Workplace. Optometrists work in private or group optometry offices, ophthalmology offices, eye and vision clinics, optical stores, hospitals, private clinics, schools and other institutions. Many ophthalmologists have their own offices, or work with a group of practitioners, including optometrists and opticians. Others work in hospitals, clinics, or research facilities.
- Characteristics. Optometrists work closely with numerous patients, usually from a private or group office, so good people skills are important. Running an office also requires good organizational skills. Ophthalmologists should have similar skills. In addition, as highly trained specialty surgeons, ophthalmologists must have an acute attention to detail, excellent motor skills, an understanding of medical technology, and the commitment to stay up-to-date in their field.
Optometrists
- Educational and Training Requirements. Optometrists must graduate from a four-year optometry program, accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association after completing a Bachelor’s Degree; some students apply to an optometry program in their third year. Admission to these programs is competitive, so a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics is a plus. Optometry programs include academic classes in biochemistry, optics, eye diseases, vision science, and pharmacology.
- Fellowship. After finishing the optometry program, students can apply for one-year post-graduate fellowships if they want to specialize in one of the following areas:
- Contact lens
- Pediatrics
- Family care
- Geriatric care
- Ocular disease
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Low-vision rehabilitation
- Refractive surgery
- Licensing Requirements. You must complete the requirements of your state’s licensing board before you can practice. In addition to passing the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam, you may have to fulfill regional or state requirements. Optometry licenses must be renewed within the time frame assigned by your state; typically, renewal entails the completion of a designated number of continuing education courses.
Ophthalmologists
- Educational and Training Requirements. The educational requirements for ophthalmology begin with a four-year pre-med degree. Before applying to medical school, you will need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The four-year medical school education consists of academic coursework in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and medical ethics, and experiential supervised clinical work in a healthcare facility.
- Internship, Residency, and Fellowship. Following this, ophthalmology students complete an internship (typically one year), residency (typically three years), and a one to two-year fellowship in the field. Your residency and fellowship will give you the opportunity to specialize in one of the following fields:
Glaucoma
Cornea and external diseases
Neuro-ophthalmology
Ophthalmic pathology
Ophthalmic plastic surgery
Pediatric ophthalmology
Geriatric ophthalmology
Vitreo-retinal diseases - Licensing Requirements. Like all physicians, ophthalmologists must pass the licensing examination offered by their state licensing board; check the specific requirements of the state where you want to practice. Since ophthalmology is categorized as a surgical sub-specialty, you will also need certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology, which is authorized through the American Board of Medical Specialists. This certification must be renewed within a specified time frame.
Job Prospects and Salary
The job prospects for eye care doctors are expected to increase as baby boomers get older and require more vision care. Advances in vision care will also increase the number of specialists needed in both optometry and ophthalmology. There are also opportunities in scientific research, public policy, and community outreach.
The average annual salary for an optometrist is $106,750. Those working in physicians’ offices (including offices of ophthalmologists) made an average of $123,690, while those working in eye care stores made an average of $103,010.
The average annual salary for an ophthalmologist is $202,133; salary increases with experience and those who specialize in retinal diseases can earn over $700,000. Ophthalmologists who work from a private or group office have the potential to earn higher incomes than those who work for a hospital or healthcare facility.
A career as either an optometrist or ophthalmologist offers excellent job prospects and salary, a choice to be self-employed, and opportunities to get involved in groundbreaking research, if that is your passion. Whichever path you choose, do your best during your years in school and residency, and make a commitment to stay informed of new information regarding optical care. That way, you’ll be able to provide your patients with solutions to their vision problems that improve their quality of life—sometimes radically.