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How do optometrists differ from ophthalmologists and opticians?

While optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians are all experts in eye care, they differ in the training they receive and the services they provide. Ophthalmologists complete a medical program and undergo residency training in ophthalmology. This hands-on training equips them to diagnose and manage eye diseases and perform surgery for all eye conditions. The 4-7 year residency program generally follows a one-year internship. Ophthalmologists can offer services such as:

• Eye exams
• Surgical eye care for conditions like cataracts and glaucoma
• Medical care for eye conditions such as iritis, glaucoma, and chemical burns
• Diagnosis, management, and treatment of eye conditions related to medical problems such as arthritis or diabetes
• Plastic surgery for smoothing wrinkles or raising droopy eyelids

Opticians are not eye doctors. They get a one or two-year degree, diploma, or certification to fill prescriptions for visual aids. Their services include:

• Checking lens prescriptions
• Providing, adjusting, and repairing visual aids like eyeglasses
• Helping people choose from a range of lenses and frames

Optometrists are primary care providers for eye health. Unlike an ophthalmologist, an optometrist does not specialize in surgery and can only help with limited eye conditions. 

They provide services such as:

• Routine eye exams
• Diagnosis of eye conditions
• Prescriptions for visual aids like contact lenses or eyeglasses
• Medical treatments for some eye conditions
• Post-surgical eye care

Optometrists may perform minor surgeries in some states. These surgeries include foreign body removal and laser eye surgery.

Choosing an eye doctor near you depends on your needs. Visit an ophthalmologist if you need medical or surgical treatment for severe eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. An optician can help you fill or adjust prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

What are the educational qualifications of an optometrist?

Becoming an optometrist requires completing a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program, typically following a bachelor's degree. Although no specific undergraduate major is necessary, most candidates pursue a science-focused degree to prepare for optometry school.

The four-year O.D. program covers extensive coursework in eye anatomy, ocular diseases, pharmacology, and the physics of vision. In the final year, students engage in clinical rounds, meeting patients, performing eye exams, diagnosing conditions, and recommending treatments.

After earning the O.D. degree, graduates may pursue a residency, though it is optional. Residencies, which typically last one year, enable optometrists to specialize in fields such as pediatric optometry, ocular disease, or low-vision rehabilitation.

To practice, optometrists must obtain a state license. This licensure process generally involves passing the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam and fulfilling any specific state requirements. Some optometrists may also choose to complete a fellowship for further clinical training or specialization in areas such as advanced ocular care or specific patient populations.

Optometry schools in the U.S. are primarily postgraduate programs, meaning applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or, at minimum, complete prerequisite courses in science and mathematics. Additionally, students must perform well on exams like the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), MCAT, GRE, or similar assessments to be considered for admission.

Upon completing the O.D. program and meeting licensing requirements, optometrists are fully qualified  to examine, diagnose, and treat patients and prescribe corrective lenses and medications.

When should you see an optometrist near you?

Even if you don't wear contact lenses or glasses, taking care of your eyes is critical. It aids in the detection of eye disorders and the preservation of vision. If you wear corrective lenses or are unsure whether you need contacts or glasses, you should see an optometrist. You should get regular eye exams even if you have a family history of vision loss or eye problems. Avoiding any chronic illness that puts you at a higher risk of developing eye disease is not advisable. It would be best to see an optometrist or any eye doctor near you if you have the following symptoms:

• Blurry vision
• Frequent headaches
• Double vision
• Trouble with night vision
• Eye pain
• Flashing lights or floaters
• Dry or itchy sensation in the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Discomfort during screen time 

What are the subspecialties within optometry?

The following are the subspecialties within optometry:

• Low vision: Optometrists specializing in low vision treatment use technology and tools to help people.
• Ocular disease: Optometrists get training to diagnose several disorders affecting the front and back of the eyes, such as glaucoma.
• Cornea and contact lenses: Specialized optometrists for cornea and contact lenses diagnose and treat cornea-related diseases and conduct contact lens fittings.
• Geriatrics: Optometrists providing specialized eye care to older adults are geriatrics. Common eye problems include macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
• Behavioral optometry: Optometrists provide visual therapy to improve visual function. Behavioral optometrists use lenses and special prisms.
• Pediatrics: Pediatric optometrists treat children and their vision disorders. They perform eye exams, provide vision therapy, and diagnose and treat binocular vision.
• Neuro-Optometry: Optometrists specializing in neuro-optometry diagnose and treat brain-related vision problems. It includes trauma, neurological diseases, or congenital conditions associated with vision loss.

How often should you get your eyes examined?

Your age usually determines the frequency with which you should have your eyes examined:

• Kids: An eye care specialist should examine your child's eyes within the first year of their birth, followed by every one to two years after that.
• Adults aged 18 to 55: Every one to two years
• Adults over the age of 55: Every year

If you use glasses, wear contacts, or require visual help, you may need to have your eyes tested more frequently. You can consult an eye doctor near you to see how often your case involves eye exams.

What to expect at your appointment?

Optometrists take your overall health history and any vision problems you may be experiencing. They may also inquire about any family history of vision problems. Here's what to expect at your optometrist visit:

• Cover test: It determines your eyes' ability to function together. Your optometrist will cover and uncover each eye to see how your eyes move while focusing on a small object a certain distance away.
• Pupil reactions: The pupils are constantly changing to various levels of light. Your optometrist will examine the whites of your eyes. Also, they will see your eyelids' position and how your pupils adjust.
• Eye muscle movement test: This test assesses your eye alignment by having you follow a moving target, such as a fingertip or a pen.
• Visual acuity: The optometrist asks you to read the letters in increasingly decreasing sizes from top to bottom. This test gives clarity on whether or not you need corrective lenses.
• Retinal exam: During this exam, an ophthalmoscope reveals the back of your eyes, including blood vessels, retina, and optic nerve.
• Slit-lamp exam: This procedure uses a tool that illuminates and magnifies the front of your eye, revealing your iris, cornea, back of your eyes, and lens.

How can you keep your eyes healthy?

There are certain things you can do for optimal eye health:

• Have a well-balanced diet: Consume many fruits and vegetables, specifically rich yellow and green leafy vegetables. Eating food containing omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish, such as tuna, salmon, and halibut, can be good for your eyes.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases your likelihood of developing diabetes. That, in turn, increases your chances of developing diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
• Exercise regularly: Workouts can help prevent or manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These conditions may result in eyesight or eye difficulties. So, if you exercise consistently, there will be a lesser chance of developing these eye and vision problems.
• Wear sunglasses: Sunlight can harm your eyes and increase your risks of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses that can block UVA and UVB radiation to protect your eyes.
• Put on safety glasses: To avoid eye injuries, use eye protection when doing certain activities, working in jobs such as factory labor and construction, and performing home repairs or projects.
• Quit smoking: Smoking increases the probability of developing age-related eye disorders, including macular degeneration and cataract, as well as causing optic nerve damage.
• Understand your family's medical history: Some eye disorders are inherited, so you should find out if anyone in your family has experienced them. This can help you identify if you are more likely to develop an eye condition.

How to find the best optometrist near you in San Diego?

Is there a history of vision problems in your family? Are you looking for an optometrist to treat eye problems? Do you need help with your vision? Whatever the reason, Zocdoc can assist you in finding top-rated optometrists near you.

Create a free account on Zocdoc, type your conditions, date, and insurance plan, and click on find. A complete list of optometrists will appear based on your search criteria. If you need more clarification about your insurance plan, head to Zocdoc's insurance checker.

To find an optometrist who accepts your insurance, simply enter your insurance details (including your specific coverage and provider) when searching on Zocdoc. This process will filter the results to show in-network providers that accept your plan. For more guidance or questions about insurance, visit Zocdoc’s patient help center, where you can find additional information and solutions to all your potential queries.

You can also search for the real-time availability of optometrists and make an appointment online.

Each optometrist on Zocdoc has a profile, including a brief introduction, education qualifications, and office locations. You can book in-person and online appointments through Zocdoc with an eye doctor near you. Check for the purple video icon on these profiles or filter your search results to show optometrists who offer video visits.

You can also read verified patient reviews and book an appointment with the top-rated optometrists in San Diego. All the bookings are free, safe, and secure on Zocdoc.

Eye problems and optometrists in San Diego, California

The American Foundation for the Blind reports that in 2019, nearly 747,867 people in California had vision problems, with 342,612 men and 405,255 women. Around 8,344 children between the ages of 5 and 41,089 between the ages of 5 and 17 have had vision problems. About 96,956 adults between 18 and 34 years also had vision problems. In 2019, around 212,358 people aged 75 and up experienced vision problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS 2017) reported vision loss in roughly 0.72% of adults aged 18-24 years, 1.01% of adults aged 30-34 years, and 20.35% of adults above 85 years.

In 2017, the prevalence of blindness in Californians aged 85 years and older was 4.54%. More than 760,000 persons reported blindness or significant difficulties seeing even with glasses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's The Impact of Vision Impairment study for California as of August 2021. In California, about 17% of people with diabetes, 27% with arthritis, and 36% with mobility difficulties have severe vision impairment. Severe vision impairment affects 59% of people aged 65 and up. According to the same study, vision impairment affected 1.2-1.8% of people in San Diego.

As of May 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported around 6,730 optometrists in California.

Sources

Healthline

Optometrists Network

VeryWellHealth

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

American Foundation for the Blind

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[3]

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

MedlinePlus

Cleveland Clinic

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.