Eye care specialists
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is either a medical doctor (MD) or an osteopathic physician (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye care and provides examinations, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of eye disorders.
Ophthalmologists are skilled in all facets of eye care, from prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses to performing intricate eye surgery. Many also choose to specialize in one particular disease or portion of the eye (i.e., glaucoma specialist or cornea specialist).
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (OD) but not a medical doctor. Optometrists can examine, diagnose and manage many visual problems and eye disease, and are specially trained to test vision in order to prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses.
What is a certified orthoptist (CO)?
An orthoptist is an allied health care professional who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of patients with disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision and eye movements. Orthoptists are uniquely skilled in diagnostic techniques and are involved in patient care, academics and clinical research.
What is a certified ophthalmic medical technologist (COMT)?
A certified ophthalmic medical technologist is an advanced-level allied health care professional who is knowledgeable in many area of ophthalmology including the ability of the eye to move, visual fields, pre-verbal vision testing (TAC), ultrasonography, clinical optics, ophthalmic photography, and surgical assisting.
What is an optician?
An optician is a technician who fits, adjusts, and fills the prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
What is an ocularist?
An ocularist is a technician who makes ophthalmic prosthesis.
Although they do not test vision for prescribing glasses or contact lenses, family practitioners or general internists may medically treat some eye conditions.