![]() Also, the scope of specialized eye care provided by optometrists may vary depending on where you live. The best eye doctor for your needs depends on several factors and may not be predicted with 100% accuracy by the following suggestions. NOTE: This table is intended as a general guide only to help you with your search for specialized eye care and is not all-inclusive. If you have needs beyond a routine eye exam or contact lens fitting, the following table lists which type of eye doctor is likely the best choice for your specific needs. ![]() Which is the best eye doctor for specific needs? Without insurance, a routine eye exam provided by an optometrist tends to cost less than an eye exam performed by an ophthalmologist. Important Come back here to when you’re ready to choose or change your primary care physician. Most of the services provided by both optometrists and ophthalmologists are at least partially covered by medical insurance or vision insurance. You can use our online directory to find doctors, specialists and other providers in the network that come with your plan. Ophthalmologists tend to be located in relatively large population centers.Ĭost. Optometrists are more widely spread geographically. In 2020, there were about 46,000 optometrists and 18,000 ophthalmologists in the United States. There are more optometrists than ophthalmologists. Most people don’t need the specialized medical care or eye surgery provided by an ophthalmologist. The training of optometrists is designed primarily for routine eye and vision care. There are several reasons for this, including: Therefore, most prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses are written by ODs. Which eye doctor to chooseįor routine eye exams and contact lens fittings, most people choose an optometrist. READ MORE about pediatric ophthalmologists. Other childhood eye and vision problems (e.g., congenital cataracts) The surgical treatment of misaligned eyes ( strabismus) Vision therapy to treat lazy eye (amblyopia), binocular vision problems and learning-related vision problems.Ī pediatric ophthalmologist typically specializes in: The normal development of vision in children SEE RELATED: Neuro-ophthalmologists and retina specialists Pediatric eye doctorĪ pediatric eye doctor, also called a children’s eye doctor or a kids' eye doctor, can be an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.Ī pediatric optometrist typically specializes in: May specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of a specific eye disease (e.g., glaucoma) or part of the eye (e.g., retina) Is trained and licensed to perform eye and vision surgery Has more comprehensive training in the medical care and management of eye health problems Ophthalmologists are medical eye doctors who are licensed to perform eye surgery.Įarn a four-year college degree in the sciencesĪttend medical school and earn a four-year doctorate degree to become a physician (MD or DO)Ĭomplete a three-year residency in the medical and surgical care of the eyeĪn ophthalmologist can provide all the services an optometrist (OD) provides, and:
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