Whether you are experiencing eye problems or just want to schedule a regular exam, it is important to choose the right specialist for your issue. If you are looking for an ophthalmologist in Palatka or surrounding areas, you might wonder about the benefits of visiting an ophthalmologist over visiting an optician or optometrist.
Types of Eye Care Professionals
While an optician is well-suited for handling vision care, they are not medical doctors. They use a prescription provided by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to fit you for corrective lenses. An optometrist is a specialized eye doctor. They do not attend medical school but do attend an advanced degree program after earning an undergraduate degree. An ophthalmologist is a doctor, either a medical doctor or osteopathic doctor, who has received specialized training in treating conditions relating to the eye.
Ophthalmology training is extensive, with four years of undergraduate work and four years of medical school completed before beginning specialized training. After completing this, there is a one-year internship and three years as a resident in a hospital-based ophthalmology setting.
Once the training is complete, an ophthalmologist is prepared to perform comprehensive eye examinations, diagnose vision issues, and treat those issues. They can diagnose and treat diseases related to the eyes, and, because they are medical doctors, prescribe medications and perform surgical procedures such as cataract surgery and LASIK.
The right eye care specialist is important to protect your vision as well as your general health. If you are looking for an ophthalmologist in Palatka, contact Business Name – Southside at Web to schedule your appointment today.
