Patients who grew up with 20/20 vision often neglect to consider the importance of staying on top of their eye health. For those who aren’t in the know, it can be difficult to determine what type of eye specialist will be most qualified to address their unique concerns. Read on to learn about the difference between different types of eye specialists and when to seek treatment from a dedicated Optometrist in Wichita KS.
What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in vision care. These specialists are medical doctors who have received extensive training and are licensed to practice both medicine and surgery. They are able to provide treatment for even complex eye conditions and treat just about any eye disease.
Ophthalmologists often receive additional training in subspecialties of their field. These might include glaucoma treatment, pediatric ophthalmology, neurology, plastic surgery, retinal care, or corneal care.
What is an Optician?
An optician is an eye care practitioner who designs and fits eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other corrective devices. They do not test patients’ vision, nor do they write prescriptions for corrective devices. Opticians are not medical doctors, and as such, they do not treat or diagnose eye conditions, but instead work in conjunction with other eye specialists to provide corrective devices for those who need them.
What is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is a doctor of optometry, a field which involves performing vision tests and basic eye exams, prescribing corrective eyeglasses and contacts, and detecting and treating a narrow range of abnormalities and diseases. While they are licensed to practice optometry, they are not medical doctors. When an Optometrist in Wichita KS suspects that his or her patient is suffering from a more complex eye disease or disorder, he or she can refer them to an ophthalmologist who can help.
Comprehensive Eye Care
Choosing which of these eye care professionals to visit can be tough for patients. The best choice for patients looking for comprehensive diagnosis and care is to find an office that keeps a variety of specialists on staff so as to avoid the need for out of office referrals. Click here for more information about one office that does just that.
