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An
Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.)
who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmology is a
branch of medicine specializing in the anatomy, function and
diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists are specially trained
to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing
glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.
Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research
into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.
Ophthalmologists attend four years of medical school and one
year of internship, and then spend a minimum of three years
of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During
residency, ophthalmologists receive special training in all
aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical
and surgical treatment of eye conditions anddiseases. Often,
an ophthalmologist spends an additional one to two years training
in a subspecialty, that is, a specific area of eye care (for
example, retinal diseases, glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.)
Most ophthalmologists are board certified. A board certified
ophthalmologist has passed a rigorous two-part examination
given by the American Board of Ophthalmology designed to assess
his/her knowledge, experience and skills. For more detailed
information on the profession of Ophthalmology, click here.
An Optometrist
is an independent primary health care provider who examines,
diagnoses, treats, and manages diseases and disorders of the
visual system, the eye and associated structures. Among the
services optometrists provide are prescribing glasses and
contact lenses, rehabilitating the visually impaired, and
diagnosing and treating ocular diseases. Professional Optometric
Degree programs are courses of study leading to a doctor of
optometry (O.D.) degree. Doctors of Optometry must successfully
complete a four-year accredited degree program at one of the
schools or colleges of optometry. Most students accepted by
a school or college of optometry have completed an undergraduate
degree. In order to practice optometry, you must be state
licensed. All states require graduation from an accredited
professional optometric degree program as a prerequisite for
licensure. In most states the written examination has been
replaced with the examinations that are given during the student's
academic career by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.
For more detailed information on the profession of Optometry,
click here.
An Optician
is a professional who fits and dispenses eyewear directly
to the consumer. They analyze and interpret prescriptions
written by ophthalmologists or optometrists to determine which
eyeglasses are best suited to the patient's lifestyle and
visual needs. The optician takes eye measurements to insure
proper lens placement in the eyeglasses' frame and verifies
the accuracy of the finished product. He/she also may manufacture
(grind) lenses from raw materials and cut them to fit into
the frame. Opticians may hold an associate opticianry degree
or may have apprenticed for a required number of hours. In
most states that require an optician to be licensed, candidates
must pass an examination given by the American Board of Opticianry
(ABO). Some states also require that candidates pass a state
board exam. For more information on the optician profession,
click here.
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