Know Your Eye Care Team

There are several types of eye care workers, each serving a variety of patient needs. However, most patients do not know the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist or an optician.

We feel it is important for you to understand the differences in education, training and credentials among eye care providers. Consider those differences when selecting a provider. Here is a listing of the various members of the eye care provider team, what they do and their credentials. Opticians provide the most limited amount of service while ophthalmologists provide all services within the eye care continuum.

Opticians

What They Do:
They fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
They measure patients’ eyes, recommend eyeglass frames and lenses based on the patient’s needs and can reshape eyeglass frames to fit properly. When licensed to do so, opticians also can fit contact lenses.

Credentials:
They are licensed after they have earned either an associate opticianry degree (one- to two-year program), or after they have apprenticed for at least two years.
They must pass a licensing for certification. Certification is awarded after passing an exam, and must be renewed every three years.

Optometrists

What They Do:
Provide routine, primary vision care.
They examine eyes to detect vision problems and diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma. They also test patients’ depth and color perception, as well as their ability to focus and coordinate eye function.
They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, and in NC, they can administer and prescribe medications to help diagnose vision problems and treat certain eye disease.

Credentials:
Optometrists to be licensed.
Optometrists must have a Doctor of Optometry degree (minimum of three years of undergraduate studies), followed by four years at an accredited optometry school.
They must pass a written and clinical state optometric board exam to receive a license.
They are regulated at the state level, and renew their license usually every three years.

Ophthalmologists

What They Do:
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in all aspects of eye health. They provide primary eye care services including eye exams and prescribe medications and perform surgical procedures, such as laser surgery and lens replacement.
Using both surgical and non-invasive techniques, ophthalmologists diagnose and manage eye diseases, conditions, and disorders, and treat and repair eye injuries.

Credentials:
Ophthalmologists must be licensed.
Ophthalmologists must have a minimum of three years of college, four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and at least three years of an ophthalmology residency (hospital-based training). They must then pass a licensing examination.
As medical doctors, ophthalmologists are regulated by state medical boards.

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Feed Those In Need This Thanksgiving

Be sure to bring a can of food with you to your eye appointment as are currently collecting food for the InterFaith Council Food Pantry in time for Thanksgiving. Our patients have been so gererous in the past that this will be our sixth year participating!

Please visit our web site at http://www.carolina2020.com/