Eye problems require specialized attention and care to deal with. Luckily, with the advancements in technology and the influx of investment pumped into medical research, the eye industry has blown up substantially. Eye specialist centers have begun popping up in large numbers. This has availed these services to many people at their convenience. Check out Huntingdon Valley Suburban Eye Associates, the leading eye specialist professionals in the country. Read on to learn more concerning them and the services they offer.
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Who is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is an osteopathic medical physician who takes a particular interest in vision and eye care. They are different from opticians and optometrists in their levels of training and the kind of conditions they can diagnose and treat.
It is crucial to ensure you see the correct eye care professional whenever it’s time for your eye check-ups. Most of these eye professionals are vital in the services they provide, but you should make sure you know the roles of each one. The expertise and level of training mainly differentiate them.
Ophthalmologists have the first to complete four years of college for a degree. This is followed by at least eight years of additional medical training before licensing to practice medicine and surgery. Advanced training is vital to diagnose and treat many different conditions compared to opticians and optometrists.
Several examples of roles performed by an ophthalmologist include:
- Performing eye surgery
- Treating all eye diseases
- Prescription and fitting of contact lenses and eyeglasses to fix vision problems
- Scientific research on the causes and possible cures for vision disorders and eye diseases
- Due to their medical background, they can recognize other health problems not linked to the eye and direct these patients to the correct medical physicians for treatment
Even though ophthalmologists are trained to deal with all eye conditions and problems, some may prefer to specialize in a specific sector of surgical eye care. These subspecialists require one or two years of more in-depth training in one or more of the subspecialty areas. These include retina, glaucoma, pediatrics, cornea, oculoplastic surgery, or neurology. This enables the ophthalmologist to be better prepared when dealing with specific or more complex conditions in some eye regions or certain types of patients.
Optometrists are medical professionals who offer primary vision care with services like vision testing and correction to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of changes in your vision. Optometrists get a degree in optometry after two to four years of college than another four years in optometry school. They are then licensed to perform vision tests and eye exams, prescribe and dispense corrective lenses, and prescribe medication for certain conditions.
Opticians are trained to verify, design, and fit eyeglass frames and lenses, contact lenses, and other devices that correct eyesight with prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists.
All these eye specialists collaborate to provide suitable and top-notch eye care to people of all ages. A visit to one specialist may warrant a visit to another or vice versa. For more information on the most suitable eye specialist, call our offices in Huntingdon Valley, PA.