When you are choosing an eye care provider it is important that you understand there are more than one type depending on what it is you need. As you will be putting your vision on the line, it is important that you know the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist.
An ophthalmologist:
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor that, after the completion of university and a number of years of training, is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist, often simply called an eye doctor in Libertyville diagnoses and treats all manner of eye diseases, undertakes eye surgery as well as prescribing corrective lenses be they glasses or contacts.
Quite often, an optometrist will refer a patient to an ophthalmologist for his or her opinion on a specific problem or to prescribe medication. Ophthalmologists undergo in-depth training after graduating from a four year university course, from there they take four years of med school and that is followed by a lengthy residency program.
Although many patients of an eye doctor in Libertyville are referred by an optometrist this is not a requirement. A trained ophthalmologist can diagnose eye disease and develop a treatment plan specifically for the patient. In the event the solution to the disorder is surgery, it will be an ophthalmologist that does it.
An optometrist:
An optometrist is focused on testing a person’s sight and correcting the anomaly with the aid of corrective lenses. An optometrist is not a medical doctor although they are a doctor of optometry. An optometrist is licensed to perform eye tests, prescribe corrective lenses and dispense them and detect abnormalities that are best treated by an ophthalmologist.
As well as an ophthalmologist and an optometrist, there is also the optician. An optician uses prescriptions supplied by the professionals but do not write prescriptions themselves. An optician is barred from diagnosing or treating any eye problems.
To protect your vision it is extremely important that you see an eye doctor in Libertyville once you reach the age of 40.
If you are having difficulties with your eyes it is highly recommended that you see an experienced eye doctor in Libertyville. You are invited to arrange for a free consultation with Dr. Jackson at Jacksoneye. Follow us on google+.
