We have exciting things happening at TC Eye these days!
We currently have two doctors here to help with all patient eye care needs. Whether you need an eye exam, cataract surgery, or dry eye relief we are here to help. Our team consists of one Ophthalmologist and one Optometrist.
What’s the difference between an MD, DO, and OD?
DO stands for “doctor of osteopathy”, while MD stands for “medical doctor.”
To earn either degree a person must first complete:
4 years of undergraduate college to receive a Bachelor’s degree
4 years of medical school education including: 2 years of rigorous in class learning and 2 years of clinical rotations covering all medical subspecialties
1 year of a general medicine internship
3-4 years of residency focused on a specific area of interest, which includes focused surgical and medical training
Both doctors (MDs and DOs) have similar curriculums in medical school and take the same qualifying exams and medical boards.
DOs and MDs are more alike than you thought!
Why do ODs live long lives? They di-late! 🙂
ODs – “doctors of optometry”
To earn an optometry degree, a person must complete:
4 years of undergraduate college to obtain a Bachelor’s degree
4 years of training at a competitive and specialized school of optometry. There, they receive rigorous training focused on eye care. ODs are doctors who are specialized in eye examinations, the fitting of contact lenses, specialized contact lenses, glasses, and low vision services, just to name a few!
Things worthy of noting:
Usually when you are seeing an Ophthalmologist (MD, DO), the reason is because your symptoms are related to a medical condition. When this is the case, your visit may be billed medically.
It is not unusual to come back for a fitting appointment or to check on the patients comfort with new contacts. When switching lenses you can expect to have multiple appointments until we find the right fit.
Your eye doctor will often ask if you are planning on getting new glasses or if you are happy with your current script. If you do not want a new prescription and you are happy with your vision then a refraction will not be done and you will not be charged for one. If you do want to be refracted, that charge will be billed through your vision plan if applicable.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank You, from your friends at Traverse City Eye