Eye exam - opthamologist or optometrist?

Question

I am in my early fifties. Should I be having my eyes examined by an opthamologist or an optometrist?

Answer 1

Where are you from?  In most provinces in Canada an ophthalmologist will treat you for eye disease, eye surgeries and continuing care of occular problems, but will not do an eye exam for glasses. That is what an Optometrist is for.  An Optometrist will do an full eye health examination and also do a refraction for prescription glasses. If he/she finds a problem then they will referr you to an Ophthalmologist.  With the influx of boomers today having cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, Ophthalmologists are really trying to get away from seeing patients for simple prescription exams.  Here, in Alberta, they simply wont anymore.  By seeing an Optometrist you will keep the lines to the Ophthalmologists down as well.  Save them for the treatment of eye disease and surgeries.  See your Optometrist bi-annually and you will be just fine!

Answer 2

Opthamologist are more specialised in eye examinations.  They diagnose and can sometimes correct vision problems.  But you will need a referral to see one & the visit may not be covered by Medicare (if you live in Australia).

If you do need glasses/contacts then you can go see an optometrist and they can prescribe them for you.  Most optometrists Bulk Bill so the consult will be covered by Medicare.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Depends what's wrong. If you only need a vision check, for possible glasses, then go to an optometrist, but if you have a problem, other than a vision problem, with your eyes, then you may need to see an ophthamologist, who is a doctor who specialises in eyes. But you'll need a referral from your GP first. So I'd go and see either an optometrist or GP first; they will let you know whether or not you should see the specialist.