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 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.
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.
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.
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 (661) 775-1860 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our optometrist.
If you're searching for a new optometrist or if our optometry clinic in Santa Clarita 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”.
Dr. Carl Garbus, FAAO has served patients in Santa Clarita since 1980. The practice is a full scope medical and specialty eye care clinic that emphasizes care for children and adults with vision deficits from traumatic brain injury, stroke and developmental and learning problems. The practice has the latest technology to provide advanced medical eye care services including low vision, specialty contact lenses, myopia management, ocular disease, dry eye and routine eye care/optical. Dr. Carl Garbus, FAAO has a passion for working with the expanded care team and does extensive work with the leading rehabilitation hospitals around the greater Los Angeles area. He has made various presentations and in-services to optometric societies, occupational therapy groups, and PTA groups regarding vision problems. Another area of interest is working with children who have learning problems. Autism is on the rise and these children have many vision issues that need to be addressed. Dr. Carl Garbus, FAAO serves as the vice president on the board for the Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) and was the president of the organization in 2010. Dr. Garbus’s many accomplishments include:
Understanding the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Please call us at (661) 775-1860 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 Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and San Fernando Valley.
My eight year old daughter was terrified to go to the eye doctor for fear of her eyes being dilated. The doctor was SO KID friendly! He immediately made her comfortable by engaging her in conversation. It was a geat experience.
Dr. Garbus spent an amazing amount of time to solve my very complicated visual problems. Over the years he has continually achieved results beyond what others felt possible. He is always up to date on the latest science. He is great!
Family Vision Care Valencia makes it so easy. Staff is knows what they are doing and Dr. Garbus is thorough and kept me well informed during the exam.
I have been coming to Family Vision Center for almost 20 years. Dr. Garbus has been able to help my vision when other doctors could not. Now my kids see him as well. I highly recommend this office!
The Doctor is very good. I felt on this visit he seemed rushed. I had questions to ask him but he was already with another patient. I still do not know if my eyes are the same , worse, or better.
All the staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and has been for all the years I have been going there.
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