Optometrist vs.Ophthalmologist: What Are the Differences

What is an Optometrist?

An optometrist is a primary eye care provider and the first point of contact in your eye health journey. An optometrist is qualified to carry out a range of eye care services from eye tests, prescription updates and the detection and management of eye diseases. In Australia, optometrists are not classified as doctors. Optometrists will have a university degree in optometry and must be registered with the Optometry Board of Australia, according to Victoria’s Better Health Channel.

An optometrist assessing a patient’s vision.

What Does an Optometrist Do?

An optometrist is qualified to provide a range of eye care services. Most optometrists in Australia provide services such as complete eye tests, identifying and managing vision issues, prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, diagnosing and treating eye disorders, providing eye care advice to patients and referring patients to ophthalmologists if needed.

Is an Optometrist a Physician?

No, an optometrist is not a physician. An optometrist is a healthcare professional with a degree in optometry, but this does not make them a physician, or a doctor. An ophthalmologist is a doctor or physician that has a medical degree, with a specialisation in eye care.

What are the Specialisations of Optometry?

There are several areas of specialisation within optometry sports vision optometry, vision therapy optometry, paediatric optometry and low vision optometry. All optometrists will have a university degree that qualifies them to practise general optometry. However, some may undertake further study to become specialised in certain areas of optometry. The specialisations of optometry are listed below.

Sports Vision Optometry: Sports vision optometrists help athletes become better at their sport, improving visual skills such as eye tracking, depth perception and dynamic visual acuity.
Vision Therapy Optometry: Vision therapy is a form of treating visual disabilities such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or alignment and coordination issues (squints or turned eyes).
Paediatric Optometry: An eye optometrist also specialises in children’s vision and vision therapy dealing with problems of coordination and focus which are common in young people.
Low Vision Optometry: Low vision optometrists specialise in treating people with low vision, which is poor vision that can not be restored, according to UNSW. Low vision optometry focuses on maintaining remaining vision.

What Types of Eye Problems are Typically Addressed by Optometrists?

As primary eye care providers and the first point of contact for eye health, optometrists are qualified to address a range of eye problems including refractive errors, binocular vision problems, eye infections and eye diseases. The eye problems that are typically addressed by optometrists are listed below.

Refractive errors: Refractive errors refer to instances where light does not hit the retina properly, due to issues with the shape of the eye such as the eyeball or the lens. Refractive errors can lead to issues such as blurry vision. Optometrists can diagnose and help to treat refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
Binocular vision problems: Binocular vision problems refer to issues with the eyes working together as one, to focus on the same object. Binocular vision problems can include amblyopia or lazy eye and strabismus and can be diagnosed and treated by an optometrist.
Eye infections: Eye infections refer to bacterial, viral or fungal infections that can affect different parts of the eye and include conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Optometrists can detect eye infections and treat them.
Eye diseases: Eye disease is an umbrella term that refers to a range of different eye problems that can be diagnosed and managed by an optometrist including glaucoma and cataracts.

Do Optometrists Handle Eye Surgery?

No, optometrists do not handle or perform eye surgery. An optometrist is a primary, first point-of-call eye health professional meaning they can diagnose, manage and treat eye conditions. However, if an eye condition is advanced to the point of needing eye surgery, an optometrist will refer a patient to an ophthalmologist, who is a medical doctor with a specialisation in eye care that can also perform eye surgery.

What are the Education Requirements to Become an Optometrist?

The education requirements to become an optometrist may differ from country to country, but will generally involve completing a university degree in vision science or biomedical science, and then a master's degree in optometry. In Australia, optometrists have to complete a university degree in optometry that is recognised by OCANZ (Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand). To become an optometrist, Australians must also be registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), before they can practice.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Optometrist?

The length of time it takes to become an optometrist will depend on the country and the requirements for practising in that country. In Australia, the average time it takes to become an optometrist is around 5 years. The undergraduate degree in vision or biomedical science usually takes around 3 to 4 years, with an additional 2 years to complete a master's in optometry.

When to See an Optometrist?

It is recommended that people see an optometrist for a routine eye check-up every 1-2 years or annually for people over 65 years of age, unless otherwise advised. A person should also visit an optometrist if they need a vision screening or test, a comprehensive eye exam, an assessment of an eye injury or follow-up care after eye surgery if advised by an ophthalmologist. If you notice a sudden or significant change in your vision, seek immediate medical attention.

How Often Should You Visit Your Optometrist?

You should see your optometrist every 1 - 2 years for a regular eye test, every year if you are over 65, or as otherwise advised by your optometrist. You should also visit your optometrist outside of these times if you have an eye issue you are concerned about.

What is an Ophthalmologist?

An Ophthalmologist is a doctor who specialises in eye care and management. They identify and manage eye diseases and perform eye surgeries. Ophthalmologists provide specialised care for advanced or complex eye conditions that go beyond the scope of care available with optometrists. You can also see an ophthalmologist if you have been referred by an optometrist, General Practitioner (GP) or a medical specialist.

An ophthalmologist conducting eye surgery.

What Do Ophthalmologists Do?

An ophthalmologist provides specialised visual care for advanced and complex eye conditions. They are licensed to conduct eye and vision surgery. Some of the services provided by ophthalmologists include the management of eye diseases such as age-related glaucoma and cataracts, treatment for partial or complete loss of vision, repair for eye damage caused by an injury, and surgical correction for misalignment of eyes.

Is an Ophthalmologist a Physician?

Yes, an ophthalmologist is a physician or a medical doctor. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who has a medical degree with specialist training in eye care.

What are the Specialisations of Ophthalmologists?

Many ophthalmologists take on further training after completing their degree to specialise in certain aspects of ocular health. The specialisations of ophthalmologists include corneal specialists, general ophthalmologists, glaucoma specialists, neuro-ophthalmologists, oculoplastic surgeons, paediatric specialists, refractive surgeons and retinal specialists. The specialisations of ophthalmologists are listed below.

Corneal specialists: Corneal specialists are a kind of ophthalmologist that diagnoses and treats diseases affecting the cornea including infection and inflammation to the cornea as well as dry eye disease.
General ophthalmologists: General ophthalmologists, also known as comprehensive ophthalmologists, treat common eye conditions, prescribe glasses and perform cataract surgery.
Glaucoma specialists: Glaucoma specialists deal specifically with the optic nerve and treat any conditions that affect it, the most common being glaucoma.
Neuro-ophthalmologists: Neuro-ophthalmologists specialise in eye problems related to the brain and nervous system, often treating people with abnormal eye movement and double vision.
Oculoplastic surgeons: Oculoplastic surgeons perform eye plastic surgery, specifically dealing with its structure, including the eye socket, the eyelid and around the eyeball.
Paediatric specialists: Paediatric specialists deal with eye problems in infants and children with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as misalignment of the eyes and amblyopia (lazy eye).
Refractive surgeons: Refractive surgeons are ophthalmologists who perform corrective vision surgeries for refractive errors including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Retinal specialists: Retinal specialists are ophthalmologists who deal with the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the back of the eye, such as macular degeneration.

What Types of Eye Problems are Typically Addressed by Ophthalmologists?

The types of eye problems typically addressed by ophthalmologists include cataracts, eye misalignment, refractive errors and eye injury. The types of eye problems that are typically addressed by ophthalmologists are listed below.

Cataracts: Cataracts are a condition in which the lens of the eye clouds, which can lead to blurred vision. Ophthalmologists can treat cataracts including performing cataract surgery.
Eye misalignment: Eye misalignment refers to the eyes not working together to look at the same point and can include conditions such as strabismus and amblyopia. An ophthalmologist can help treat these eye misalignment.
Refractive errors: Refractive errors are conditions in which light does not focus on the retina properly due to issues with the shape of the eye such as the lens. An optometrist can treat refractive errors with prescription glasses or contacts, however, an ophthalmologist can help provide treatment such as refractive error surgery.
Eye injury: Eye injuries can be treated by an ophthalmologist and may include scratches on the cornea, blunt trauma to the eyes or chemical contamination.

Do Ophthalmologists Handle Eye Surgery?

Yes ophthalmologists, handle eye surgery. The surgeries that ophthalmologists can perform include refractive surgery, cataract surgery and surgery to correct eye misalignment, according to Health Direct.

What are the Education Requirements for an Ophthalmologist?

As ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have a specialisation in eye care, several educational requirements must be met before a person can practise as an ophthalmologist. According to the University of Sydney, a person must first complete an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate doctor of medicine, and RANZCO vocational training before practising as an ophthalmologist. RANZCO refers to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Ophthalmologist?

The length of time it takes to become an ophthalmologist can differ between countries but may be 10 to 12 years. A person will first need to undertake the training and education to become a doctor, then additional training to be specialised in eye care. According to the Australian Government’s Department of Health, a person will need to undertake a minimum of 6 years in RANZCO’s vocational training program to become an ophthalmologist.

When to See an Ophthalmologist?

You will most likely see an ophthalmologist when referred to one by an optometrist or a medical doctor. You may see an ophthalmologist for several eye conditions including cataracts, age-related glaucoma and refractive errors.

How Often Should You Visit Your Ophthalmologist?

How often you should visit an ophthalmologist is dependent upon what you are seeing the ophthalmologist for and what your individual treatment plan is. People may visit their ophthalmologist on a regular basis for the management of certain conditions. People may also see their ophthalmologist for surgery and post-surgery follow-up visits.

How to Choose Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?

A person may choose to go to an optometrist for routine eye testing or if they have issues with their vision, however a person does not typically choose whether they go to an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor with a specialisation in eye care, trained to provide treatment for advanced or complex eye conditions. A person will be sent to an ophthalmologist on the referral of a optometrist or General Practitioner (GP). There are however, some areas that you, your doctor or optometrist may consider when deciding which eye care professional is right for you and your eye care needs including whether you need eye examinations, prescriptions or eye surgery. The things to consider when choosing an eye care professional are listed below.

Eye examinations: Eye examinations are performed by both optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is recommended that you get an eye test every 1-2 years. You can book an eye test today with Oscar Wylee and find your nearest retail location.
Prescriptions: Prescriptions for vision correcting devices such as eyeglasses and contact lenses can be given by an optometrist and they are also qualified in prescribing medications. But when the issues are more severe, your optometrist will refer you to be seen and managed by an ophthalmologist.
Eye surgeries: Eye surgeries can only be performed by ophthalmologists as they are licensed and qualified for these procedures.

A comparison highlighting the similarities and differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists.

How Can Oscar Wylee Help You Choose Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?

Our Oscar Wylee optometrists can help our patients decide if further treatment with an ophthalmologist is required. Our Oscar Wylee optometrists are highly trained and qualified to provide a range of eye care services such as eye tests, vision assessment, prescription updates and the detection and management of eye diseases. If a patient has a particularly advanced or complex eye condition, then our optometrists may recommend that they move to an ophthalmologist specialised in their issue for further treatment. You can book an eye test with an Oscar Wylee optometrist online, call your local store, or visit the team in-store.

Why are Optometrists the Most Commonly Seen Eye Doctors?

Optometrists are generally the most commonly seen eye care professionals as they offer primary, routine eye care services including eye tests and the detection of eye diseases. This is why most patients choose optometrists as they don’t need the ophthalmologist that provides specialised eye care or surgery. Other reasons optometrists are the most commonly seen eye professionals are that the availability of optometrists is likely to be more extended geographically than ophthalmologists who are usually more accessible in large population centres. Cost is also a factor as to why optometrists are the most commonly seen eye professionals. You will need a referral from an optometrist or GP with your eye history before seeing an ophthalmologist to be able to receive Medicare benefits for a consultation. Most of the optometrists and ophthalmologists services are at least offered by health insurance. But in case you don’t have optical extras included in your health fund, a routine eye exam conducted by an optometrist is likely to be more affordable than an eye exam provided by an ophthalmologist.

Do Optometrists and Ophthalmologists Work Together?

Yes, optometrists and ophthalmologists can work together to help diagnose and treat a patient’s eye condition. Typically, a person will come to an optometrist for a routine eye test or with a vision issue. An optometrist can then refer the patient to a specialist if needed. An ophthalmologist may also send a patient to an optometrist if they require additional care of support after treatment such as eye surgery.

How Do Optometrists and Ophthalmologists Differ from Optical Dispensers (Opticians)?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists differ from optical dispensers, known outside of Australia as opticians, in their primary responsibilities and their level of education. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are focused on the clinical and medical aspects of eye care, providing eye tests, prescription updates, diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Optometrists and ophthalmologists will also have a university degree. An optician is an eye care professional that is responsible for fitting and dispensing glasses. An optical dispenser will interpret prescriptions and assist customers with making sure their glasses fit. An optical dispenser will typically have to complete a course to provide customers with their services. In Australia, The Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD) offers a Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing which provides aspiring optical dispensers with the necessary qualifications.