Ophthalmologist vs Optometrist?

Question

If I see an ophthalmologist once a year for my eyes, do I need to see an optometrist once a year also? I wear glasses and contacts but last time I saw my ophthalmologist (I have diabetes, my family dr makes me go to make sure my eyes are good). anyway last time i saw the eye medical doctor, he dilated my eyes, did a complete exam and wrote me a new prescription for glasses and contacts. why would i need an optometrist then ?? the point of my question is do I need vision insurance or should I opt out of it since my health insurance pays for the ophthalmology exam??

Answer 1

I would think that being as you are already under the care of an Opthalmologist because of the diabetes , and he does take care of your eye exams  for glasses and contacts, then there is no need to see an optometrist also.

Not all Opthalmologists want to do the refraction, and refer to an optometrist instead, but being as yours is giving you the full care...that's all you need.

Answer 2

Just for the sake of giving some useful information, optometrists are fully capable of doing diabetic eye exams.  As a matter of fact, I would argue that seeing an ophthalmologist for routine diabetic eye exams is overkill.  

More info regarding insurance: most optometrists also accept health insurance, which will cover a diabetic exam just like it would at an ophthalmologist.  People seem to have a misunderstanding that you need some special "vision insurance" (there really is no such thing) to see an optometrist.  It's simply not true.  Your health insurance works the same way at the optometrist as it does anywhere else.

Answer 3

An Ophthalmologist is an eye M.D., a medical doctor who is specialized in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. They may also be involved in eye research.

After 4 years of medical school and a year of internship, every ophthalmologist spends a minimum of 3 years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During residency, the eye M.D. receives special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases. An ophthalmologist may spend an additional year or two in training in a subspecialty

An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry, an O.D. (not to be confused with a Doctor of Medicine, an M.D.). To become an optometrist, one must complete pre-professional undergraduate college education followed by 4 years of professional education in a college of optometry. Some optometrists also do a residency.

Answer 4

the ophthalmologist is capable of doing everything the optometrist can do, is trained to recognize and treat the same issues.

if you are seeing an ophthalmologist regular (and getting your glasses or contacts form him /her) there is no need for the optometrist.

Answer 5

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