Distinction From Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists after obtaining a 4-year bachelor degree, attend medical school for 4 years of medical training to obtain an Doctor of Medicine (MD) or an Osteopathic (DO) degree. Ophthalmologists train for an additional three to four years of residency training. Residency training in ophthalmology encompasses all aspects of diagnosis and management of diseases that affect the eye, orbit, and neurological system of the brain. This includes surgical treatment. Many ophthalmologists pursue additional fellowship training in various subspecialties.



In the USA, optometrists also acquire a 4-year bachelor degree followed by 4 years of Optometry school to earn an OD or Doctor of Optometry degree. While in school, optometry students undergo internship training and after completion of the degree, have options of 1- to 2-year residency programs for further specialization.


Optometrists having completed a residency can further specialize in a particular area such as Pediatric Optometry, Geriatric Optometry, Behavioral Optometry or Neuro-optometry.


Optometry school curriculum in the United States include such courses as vision sciences, health sciences, pharmacology, encompassing diagnosis and management of diseases that affect the eye, orbit, and neurological system of the brain. Examples include courses in visual psychophysics, optics, as well as training in aspects of functional vision such as vision therapy, binocular vision, and low vision.


Optometrists are also trained extensively in anatomy, histology, neurology, vision perception. They have a broad understanding of disease etiology, management, and treatment. In general, optometrists can do the same things ophthalmologists do with the exception of managing diseases (e.g. ptosis, strabismus, wet macular degeneration, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts) that require surgical expertise.


Depending on state law, however, many optometrists are licensed to perform minor surgery as well as laser surgery. Some states limit the prescribing of oral medications by optometrists depending on licensure and regulatory requirements.


The two fields often have a mutually beneficial relationship:

• Ophthalmologists may refer patients to optometrists for contact lenses or for optical aids or low vision rehabilitation whilst continuing to treat the underlying disease/condition that may have reduced vision. Similarly, complicated and emergency eye conditions are referred from Optometry to Ophthalmology.
• Both optometrists and ophthalmologists perform screening for common ocular problems affecting children (i.e., amblyopia and strabismus) and the adult population (cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy).
• Optometrists generally manage treatment of strabismus and amblyopia with vision therapy while Ophthalmologists manage these disorders with refractive, orthoptic, medical and surgical therapy.

(Taken From WIKIPEDIA