You need an eye appointment, but you’re not sure which type of eye doctor to call. Should you see an O.D. or an M.D.? The letters after your eye doctor’s name might seem confusing, but understanding the difference can help you get the right care for your specific needs.
The main difference between an O.D. and an M.D. lies in their training and the services they provide. Both are qualified eye care professionals, but they have different educational backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Keep reading to learn about the distinctions between optometrists and ophthalmologists, and discover how having both types of providers at Traverse City Eye benefits patients like you.
What Do the Letters After an Eye Doctor’s Name Mean?
The letters O.D. stand for Doctor of Optometry. Optometrists complete two to four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of optometry school. They earn a doctorate degree in optometry, which qualifies them to examine eyes, test vision, prescribe corrective lenses, and detect certain eye problems.
The letters M.D. stand for Medical Doctor. Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in eye and vision care. They complete four years of college, four years of medical school, and at least four years of specialized medical and surgical training in ophthalmology.
This means ophthalmologists complete 12 to 14 years of education and training after high school. Some ophthalmologists have D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degrees, which involve similar extensive medical training.
The additional years of medical training give ophthalmologists the expertise to diagnose and treat a wider range of eye conditions. They’re also the only eye care providers licensed to perform eye surgery.
What Can an Optometrist (O.D.) Do?
Optometrists provide primary vision care for patients of all ages. They perform eye exams to assess your vision and detect common eye problems. During these exams, they can identify refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
After examining your eyes, optometrists can prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. They can also detect certain eye abnormalities and signs of eye disease during routine exams. In many states, optometrists are licensed to prescribe medications to treat specific eye conditions, such as eye infections or glaucoma.
At Traverse City Eye, our team of experienced optometrists includes Dr. Cizek, Dr. Burrill, Dr. Hummel, Dr. Kevin Leahy, and Dr. Kathleen Leahy. They provide expert vision care and work closely with our ophthalmologists to make sure patients receive comprehensive treatment when needed.
What Can an Ophthalmologist (M.D.) Do?
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who can diagnose and treat all eye diseases and conditions. Their extensive medical training allows them to provide comprehensive eye care, from routine exams to complex surgical procedures. Like optometrists, ophthalmologists can diagnose common eye conditions like dry eye and conjunctivitis, as well as prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, but their scope of practice extends beyond primary eye care.
Ophthalmologists perform delicate eye surgeries, including cataract removal, LASIK, glaucoma surgery, retinal procedures, and corneal transplants. They treat serious eye diseases, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and eye injuries. Because they’re medical doctors, ophthalmologists can also recognize how other health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, affect your eyes.
Many ophthalmologists complete additional fellowship training in subspecialties like retina, glaucoma, cornea, or pediatric ophthalmology. This focused training prepares them to handle complex cases in specific areas of eye care. The ophthalmologists at Traverse City Eye, Dr. Eby, Dr. Hochstetler, and Dr. Tannir, bring this advanced medical expertise to patients throughout northern Michigan.
When Should You See an Optometrist vs. an Ophthalmologist?
Knowing when to see an O.D. or M.D. helps you get appropriate care quickly.
Routine Vision Care and Exams
Optometrists excel at providing routine eye care for healthy patients. Schedule an appointment with an optometrist if you need an annual eye exam, want to update your glasses or contact lens prescription, or notice minor changes in your vision.
Optometrists can screen for eye diseases during these routine visits and refer you to an ophthalmologist if they detect anything that requires medical treatment or surgery.
Eye Diseases and Medical Conditions
See an ophthalmologist if you experience symptoms that suggest a serious eye problem. Sudden vision loss, eye pain, flashes of light, new floaters, or eye injuries require immediate medical attention from an M.D.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye disease like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, an ophthalmologist manages your treatment and performs any necessary surgery. Patients with medical conditions that affect the eyes, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, benefit from regular ophthalmology care.
Ophthalmologists can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy or other complications and coordinate with your other doctors to protect your vision. If you need eye surgery, an ophthalmologist has the medical training and surgical skills to perform the procedure safely.
How Optometrists and Ophthalmologists Work Together at Traverse City Eye
The best eye care often involves collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists. At many practices, including Traverse City Eye, O.D.s and M.D.s work together as a team to provide seamless care. Your optometrist might manage your routine vision needs and refer you to an ophthalmologist when medical treatment or surgery becomes necessary.
After an ophthalmologist performs surgery or treats an eye disease, your optometrist can provide follow-up care and monitor your recovery. This team approach means you get the right level of care at the right time.
Having both optometrists and ophthalmologists in the same practice makes it easy to transition between providers without changing locations or starting over with a new medical team. Traverse City Eye brings together both optometrists and ophthalmologists under one roof, giving you access to comprehensive eye care from skilled professionals.
Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced eye doctors in Traverse City, MI, today to receive the personalized care your eyes deserve.