The short answer
An optometrist checks your vision and fits you for glasses and contacts. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who treats eye diseases and does eye surgery. For a new pair of glasses, an optometrist is a great choice. For problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration or eye care when you have diabetes, you need an ophthalmologist. Many people see both, and the two work as a team.
Optometrist. Ophthalmologist. The two words sound almost the same, and both kinds of eye care professionals look at your eyes. So it’s no wonder people mix them up. But they have different training, and they do different jobs.
Knowing the difference helps you call the right office the first time. It matters most as you get older, because more eye problems need a medical doctor’s care. This guide explains who does what, when you need each one, and what Medicare usually covers.
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Key Takeaways
- An optometrist (O.D.) gives eye exams and prescribes glasses and contacts. In some states, they can also treat some eye conditions.
- An ophthalmologist (M.D. or D.O.) is a medical doctor. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat all eye diseases and do eye surgery.
- An optician fits and adjusts glasses. Opticians don’t test your vision or treat eye problems.
- For glaucoma, macular degeneration, eye care when you have diabetes, or anything that may need surgery, see an ophthalmologist.
- Sudden flashes of light, many new floaters or a shadow over your vision need care right away.
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology says to get a complete eye exam every year or two after age 65.
What Is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry, or O.D. Optometrists go to college, then to four years of optometry school. They aren’t medical doctors.
Optometrists give eye exams, check how well you see, and prescribe and fit glasses and contacts. They can also spot some eye problems. In some states, they can prescribe medicine for certain eye conditions. What they’re allowed to do depends on the state.
Think of an optometrist as your go-to for clear vision: the right glasses, the right contacts, and a regular check of how well you see.
What Is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist (pronounced off-thal-MOL-uh-jist) is a medical doctor who specializes in the eyes. Ophthalmologists have either an M.D. or a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. They’re the only eye doctors with a medical degree.
After college, ophthalmologists finish medical school and then years of hands-on hospital training in eye care. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says their training takes 12 to 14 years in all. Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice medicine and surgery.
An ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat every kind of eye disease, prescribe medicine, and do eye surgery. They can also prescribe glasses and contacts. Think of an ophthalmologist as a medical doctor for the health of your eyes.
What About an Optician?
Opticians are trained to make, check and fit glasses. When you pick up new glasses, an optician makes sure the frames sit right on your nose and the lenses line up with your eyes. Opticians don’t test your vision, write prescriptions, or diagnose or treat eye problems.
Side by Side: Who Does What
| Optometrist | Ophthalmologist | Optician | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree | O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) | M.D. or D.O. (medical doctor) | Technician training |
| Eye exams and vision checks | Yes | Yes | No |
| Glasses and contacts | Prescribes and fits | Prescribes | Fits and adjusts |
| Treats eye diseases | Some, depending on the state | All | No |
| Eye surgery | No | Yes | No |
When an Optometrist Is the Right Choice
An optometrist is a great place to go when you need:
- New glasses or a new prescription
- Contact lenses
- A routine check of how well you see
- Help with eyes that feel tired after reading or screen time
If your optometrist finds something that needs medical care, they can send you to an ophthalmologist.
When You Need an Ophthalmologist
See an ophthalmologist when it’s about the health of your eyes, not just your glasses. That includes:
- Glaucoma (damage to the nerve that connects your eye to your brain). The most common kind has no warning signs early on, so many people don’t notice a change until the damage is serious.
- Macular degeneration (damage to the macula, the small center of the retina that you use to read and see faces). The retina is the thin layer at the back of your eye that senses light.
- Eye care when you have diabetes. High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. People with diabetes need regular eye checks to catch this early.
- Eye problems that may need surgery or other procedures.
- A referral. Your optometrist or family doctor sends you to an ophthalmologist to take a closer look.
- Sudden changes in your vision. See the warning signs below.
Warning Signs: Don’t Wait
Call an eye doctor right away if you notice:
- Sudden flashes of light
- Many new floaters at once (small specks or strings that drift across your vision)
- A shadow in your side vision
- A gray curtain over part of what you see
These can be signs of a detached retina (when the back layer of the eye pulls away). The American Academy of Ophthalmology says a detached retina must be checked by an ophthalmologist right away. For sudden loss of vision, go to the emergency room or call your ophthalmologist for an urgent visit.
How Optometrists and Ophthalmologists Work Together
You don’t have to choose one or the other. Many people see an optometrist for glasses and an ophthalmologist for the health of their eyes. When your optometrist finds a medical problem, they may send you to an ophthalmologist. After that, you can keep seeing your optometrist for your glasses. Working as a team, they help you keep seeing clearly.
Do You Need a Referral?
It depends on your insurance. Medicare.gov says that with Original Medicare, in most cases you don’t need a referral to see a specialist. With a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, you usually do need one. Other plans have their own rules, so check your plan card or call your plan before you book. Our front desk can also help you check.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Here’s what Medicare.gov says about eye care:
- Routine eye exams for glasses or contacts: Original Medicare doesn’t cover them.
- Eye exams for people with diabetes: Medicare Part B covers an exam for diabetic retinopathy (eye damage from diabetes) once a year.
- Glaucoma tests: Medicare Part B covers a glaucoma test once every 12 months for people at high risk. That means people with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, African Americans age 50 or older, and Hispanic Americans age 65 or older.
- Your share: after you meet the Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
- Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra vision benefits. Coverage varies by plan.
Coverage depends on your plan and your visit, so ask before your appointment.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says to have a complete eye exam with an ophthalmologist every year or two after age 65. Regular exams help catch problems early, often before you notice anything. If you have diabetes, glaucoma in your family, or an eye condition you’re already being treated for, your doctor may want to see you more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an optometrist a doctor?
An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), but not a medical doctor. Ophthalmologists are the only eye doctors with a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.).
Is an ophthalmologist a medical doctor?
Yes. Ophthalmologists go to medical school and then train for years in eye care. They can treat all eye diseases and do eye surgery.
Can an optometrist prescribe medicine?
In some states, optometrists can prescribe medicine for certain eye conditions. The rules depend on the state.
Should I see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for glaucoma?
An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats glaucoma. An optometrist may spot early signs during an exam and send you to an ophthalmologist.
Can I keep seeing my optometrist if I see an ophthalmologist?
Yes. Many people see their optometrist for glasses and an ophthalmologist for eye health. The two often work together.
Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist?
With Original Medicare, usually not. With a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, usually yes. Check your plan’s rules before you book.
Does Medicare cover a visit to an ophthalmologist?
Medicare Part B often covers a medical eye visit, when the doctor is checking for or treating an eye problem. It doesn’t cover a routine exam just for glasses. You may still owe your share.
What’s the difference between an optometrist and an optician?
An optometrist examines your eyes and writes prescriptions for glasses and contacts. An optician fits and adjusts the glasses, but doesn’t test your vision.
Need a Medical Eye Doctor?
If it’s time to check the health of your eyes, Dr. James Powers, D.O., an ophthalmologist, and our team are here to help at our New Port Richey, Clearwater and St. Petersburg offices.
Ready to schedule your eye exam?
- New Port Richey: 5413 US Highway 19, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Clearwater: 2565 Enterprise Rd, Clearwater, FL 33763
- St. Petersburg: 603 7th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
More guides: Glaucoma · Macular degeneration · Dry eye · Parts of the eye
Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, “What Is an Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist?”, “What Is Glaucoma?”, “Detached Retina”, “Reasons to See an Ophthalmologist” and “Eye Health Information for Adults Over 65” (aao.org); Medicare.gov, “Eye exams (for diabetes)”, “Glaucoma tests”, “Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)” and “Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.”
This article is general information, not medical advice for your eyes. For advice about your own eyes, call us or see your eye doctor.