If you are in search of an eye health services provider it is absolutely essential that you know what professional supplies the right services for your unique vision issues.
There are three main types of specialists that provide eye care services and each has a different skillset devoted to ensuring that your vision is restored and protected. These health professionals provide a number of different eye care options – and may also have specializations. The three professional providers are ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians.
Let’s take a closer look at what each one of these eye care health providers offers.
Firstly there are ophthalmologists. These professionals usually have degrees in medicine or in ste3opthy. They specialize in providing medical care and surgical options for a variety of eye issues. Medical doctors provide disease-specific diagnosis and treatment, while osteopaths focus on disease and how a condition can affect the structure and function of various parts of the body.
An ophthalmologist will boast extensive medical training and is certified by various Boards (including state regulatory Boards) to provide diagnostic services, as well as treatment and management of medical conditions that affect the visual system as a whole and in particular, the eye. Their studies include pre-med undergraduate degrees, four years of medical training at an institution of higher learning, then a minimum of three years of study with a specialization in eye care (medical and surgical).
These professionals will advise and treat such conditions as diabetes that cause damage to the eyes and vision. The treatment options can include surgery and other medical interventions. They will also provide eye examinations.
Optometrists are specialized doctors of optometry. In common with the ophthalmologist, they are also trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions that adversely affect the eye, and subsequently vision. They will also undergo undergraduate training and four years of education, often at a college that focuses on optometry. The major difference between the training and that of ophthalmologists is that they will not attend medical school. They may also undertake education in a specialized area during a one-year period of residency.
Often their training will allow them to focus on conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and other diseases affecting the vision. They will also provide diagnosis and treatment of common eye-related disorders such as near and farsightedness and astigmatism. They will also test a patient’s ability to focus and distinguish colors. They do not perform surgery. Treatments such as vision therapy, glasses, and contact lenses are often recommended, as are medications for the treatment of various eye conditions.
Opticians often work very closely with both ophthalmologists and optometrists. They assist these professionals with long-term care after treatment, as well as before and during procedures to current conditions affecting the eye. they tend to focus on the provision of visual aids such as glasses and contact lenses. Opticians focus on the diagnosis of conditions affecting the quality of sight – and the interpretation of prescriptions.
Patients need to take a proactive stance toward selecting their individual eye care service provider. Make sure that the professional that you choose has the appropriate qualifications and is both certified and licensed to work in your state. The more experienced that your chosen professional is the better the acre that they can provide. Make sure that they are up to date with the latest developments in the field of eye care – and not be afraid to ask questions.
With some research and a knowledge of which professional will provide you with the best care, you should soon be well n your journey to enjoying the benefits of great eye health.
