Last Updated on December 20, 2024 by Aaron Barriga
Fresno, CA, is a city with a lively arts scene and a fine state university. Residents of one of the most affordable cities in America enjoy the easy-going vibe of this place. At InSight Vision Center, we take pride in providing all types of eye treatments, including cataracts, eye surgery, LASIK, glaucoma, and others, to the people of Fresno, CA, since 1974.
We have the most experienced and incredible team of eye doctors in Fresno. Our eye care professionals provide the best quality treatment with compassion and care in our state-of-the-art eye clinics in the city.
At InSight Vision Centre, you can get treatment from the best ophthalmologists and optometrists. But what is the difference between ophthalmologists and optometrists? And how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s understand this in detail in the upcoming sections of this post.
Who are Optometrists & What do They do?
Optometrists have an optometry degree. They are primarily known to perform vision tests and comprehensive eye exams. But they can do much more for your eye care. They can detect a higher level of eye health issues like glaucoma through a detailed eye exam. Although they can’t perform any major eye surgery, they can provide pre and post-operative care.
An optometrist, also known as OD, can check the success of an eye surgery by performing an eye exam on the patient the next day. They can also treat a minor eye injury or perform minor eye surgery in some states. Moreover, optometrists can diagnose underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases through detailed screening of the patient.
Optometrists can prescribe corrective lenses, eyeglasses, and other visual aids. They are also eligible to treat patients with non-invasive treatments such as vision rehabilitation and therapy. Some states allow them to write prescriptions for medications as well.
Who are Ophthalmologists & What do They do?
Ophthalmologists are MDs (Medical Doctors) who specialize in treating all types of eye ailments. However, their level of specialization may vary according to their study. They can do additional years of training in a particular aspect of eye health. It can be glaucoma, cornea, retina, neurology, etc.
They can diagnose the criticality level of eye diseases and vision problems. They can do whatever an optometrist can do and much more. Ophthalmologists can treat severe eye issues like glaucoma, farsightedness, near-sightedness, cataracts, crossed eyes, retinal detachment, optic nerve syndrome, pediatric eye health issues, and much more.
They can prescribe medication and perform advanced-level eye surgeries for all the conditions mentioned above. They are also eligible to perform LASIK surgery.
Optometrist Vs. Ophthalmologist: Whom Should You Visit?
There is a vast difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists. As mentioned earlier, optometrists have their limits while treating your eye health issues. But ophthalmologists can treat all your eye diseases. You can visit an optometrist first, and they can refer you to an ophthalmologist if required. Or you can directly go to the ophthalmologist as well.
Still, you may find yourself confused about whether to go to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Here is a need-based checklist that will help you settle the debate of OD vs MD eye doctors.
You should visit an optometrist for the following requirements:-
- A detailed eye exam if you feel pain or other unusual symptoms in your eye.
- Post-surgery follow-up to check the result of the procedure.
- Routine vision screening test for checking if you need glasses or contact lenses.
- Assessing the seriousness of an eye injury.
Go to an ophthalmologist if you need or want any of the following:-
- Eye medication.
- An advanced assessment of an injury.
- Eye surgery.
- Check-up if an underlying health issue is affecting your vision.
- Vision test/eye exam (both OD and MD can do this).
- Going for the first time for a comprehensive dilated eye exam in your 40s.
- Advanced level follow-up for vision rehabilitation after eye surgery.
Conclusion
At InSight Vision Center, we have a highly qualified and experienced team of optometrists and ophthalmologists committed to improving your life quality. They can treat and diagnose a wide range of eye problems with advanced diagnostic technology and vision correction products. Our team strives to consistently deliver excellent service and care to our patients in Fresno, CA.
Prioritize your vision with expert eye care at Insight Vision Center – because healthy eyes lead to a brighter life!
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK.
