Visiting the Eye Doctor

Article Written By: Kathryn Dawson

From the age of 50 the eyes can start to deteriorate. Cataracts are more likely to develop and a range of other conditions can materialise. Everyone should ensure they have an eye doctor who they have regular check ups with. If you make regular appointments with the eye doctor then they will be able to spot a problem immediately and begin treatment. If you can catch something early on then there may well be eye drops or small injections available that mean you don't have to undergo surgery at a later date. Anyway, here is a list of the different types of eye doctor.

An ophthalmologist is the person who we would generally refer to as the "eye doctor" because they are medically trained. They have to not only receive all the medical training that any other type of doctor does, but they must then go on to specialise in this area, receive further training and undertake a number of years gaining experience. An ophthalmologist is licensed to diagnose and treat all conditions of the eye. They can carry out all laser eye treatments too. There is another name for an ophthalmologist, and that is an oculist, although this is not such as commonly used term. Anyone with the job title of oculist can diagnose and treat eye conditions and carry out eye surgery.

An optician is also a health care provider associated with the eyes. Although they are not trained like doctors in medical school, they are regulated professionals who have to maintain standards of training (equivalent to a BSc degree) and of practice. In the UK they are regulated by the General Optical Council and qualified with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians. They are primarily focused on carrying out eye tests in order to be able to prescribe glasses and contact lenses. They may well notice additional problems with the eyes when carrying out eye tests, but are unable to make a diagnosis or carry out any sort of treatment. If an optician notices anything wrong with the eyes then they will suggest the patient goes for a check up with an ophthalmologist.

Another professional that works with eyes is an optometrist. Whilst they haven't gone to medical school like a doctor, they will have taken a 3 year degree plus a year of supervised work plus assessments before qualifying and registering with the General Optical Council. They are able to go further than an optician in terms of examining eyes.They carry out eye tests to examine refractive problems such as long or shortsightedness. Part of their role is prescribing glasses and contact lenses and discussing options for treatment. If the eyes of their patient are affected by disease or conditions such as cataracts they will refer the patient to an ophthalmologist. There is considerable training necessary to become an optometrist, although medical school is not required.

Finally there is an ocularist, a professional who creates and fits artificial eyes. For example a patient may have lost an eye due to an injury. An ocularist will create the prosthetic eye and then train the patient how to handle and care for it. The artificial eye is usually custom made for the individual.

It is imperative that you have regular eye tests. Ideally you should visit the ophthalmologist regularly, especially if you are over the age of 50, but when this is not possible at the very least you should have check ups with an optometrist. Catching a problem early can be the difference between having sight that remains good and having sight that gets very bad very quickly, and may even need laser eye surgery to put right.

There are a few different professionals that deal with the eyes, but the traditional eye doctor and the professional who can carry out diagnoses and treatments is an ophthalmologist. They can provide treatment for a range of diseases of the eye including glaucoma treatment, wet and dry AMD treatment and cataracts. They are also licensed to carry out laser vision correction surgery. There are other professional roles involved with the eyes which, although requiring qualifications, registration and ongoing training and professional development, do not require attendance at medical school.

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson - private eye hospital operator in the UK. Visit eye doctor if you need advice on glaucoma treatment.

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