What’s The Difference Between An Optometrist And An Ophthalmologist?

There are two key eye health professionals that can come to mind when you’re concerned about your eye health, whether you’re experiencing vision disturbances, have contracted conjunctivitis that won’t go away, have noticed your eyes becoming dry or droopy, or something else. These are optometrists and ophthalmologists. So what’s the difference between the two, and who should be your first port of call when you’re worried about your eyes?

Here’s a look into the key differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists so you can feel more confident in knowing who you should book in with and when regardless of your eye care needs.

What's The Difference Between An Optometrist And An Ophthalmologist?

Your optometrist is your primary healthcare provider for routine eye care - the one who will complete your routine assessments, get an understanding of your symptoms and circumstances, and make a diagnosis (where it is clear).

Your ophthalmologist is a secondary or tertiary health provider, meaning they are a board-registered doctor who has specialised their medical career in eye surgery and medical interventions for eye and vision problems.

Think of it like the difference between seeing a dentist for a tooth problem (primary provider), and then being referred to an oral or maxillofacial surgeon (secondary or tertiary health provider) for a more complex case or treatment. The dentist will perform all the base scans and tests and make a referral that fills the oral surgeon in on what they need to know to take the next steps with you.

Optometry: An Overview

Your optometrist is a very knowledgeable eye care professional that has a wide and comprehensive understanding of all things related to eye and vision health. They’ve undertaken five years of specialised university training, typically a three-year Bachelor’s degree in Vision Science followed by a two-year Master of Optometry qualification. Only after attaining both of these can an optometrist register with the Optometry Board of Australia and practise as an optometrist in a clinic - so you know you’re in safe hands. Your optometrist is certified to:

- Complete thorough eye exams and vision tests, including yearly eye exams
- Prescribe glasses with medical prescriptions based on the results of your assessments, as well as contact lenses and other visual aids
- Assess and monitor medical eye conditions related to diseases like diabetes and age-related macular degeneration, giving you advice on how to best support your eye health in your current circumstances and involving other health professionals when indicated
- Diagnose, manage and treat a range of medical eye conditions such as dry eyes, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, retinopathy and more
- Provide low-vision aids and vision therapy
- Prescribe medication and treatments for a range of eye conditions
- Perform medical treatments or minor procedures for different eye conditions
- Provide pre and post-surgical eye care and eye health education

Simply put, your optometrist is your go-to health professional when you first notice a change in your vision or that something isn’t quite right with your eye. They’ll provide all your baseline statistics and assessments, determining whether the problem is something temporary that will likely pass on its own, whether it needs treatment that they can provide, or whether you need a referral to a specialist for further assessment or treatment - this is where your ophthalmologist gets involved.

Ophthalmology: An Overview

An ophthalmologist is an eye specialist who provides the next level up in eye care and specialises in eye surgery and more complex medical interventions. As their area of expertise is relatively complex, they do not tend to focus on the baseline testing performed by optometrists, and you will often have to have your routine eye care testing completed before attending your appointment so your ophthalmologist can start exploring your best next steps based on this - whether it’s further specialist testing or a certain treatment or eye surgery.

In terms of their qualifications, your ophthalmologist has a minimum of 13 years of university education which includes completing medical school, internships, residency and their vocational training, earning them the title of ophthalmologist. Most have more, especially if they then pursue a further subspecialty of eye health and surgery, such as in managing cataracts, paediatrics eye care (babies and children), medical or surgical vitreoretinal diseases, or conditions that affect the retina or the gel-like fluid part of the eye. Your ophthalmologist is certified to:

- Provide medical care for eye conditions like iritis, chemical burns and glaucoma
- Deliver surgical intervention for serious or complex diseases and concerns such as strabismus, cataracts, corneal transplants, trauma, crossed eyes, and retinal detachment
- Perform laser eye surgery
- Perform plastic surgery, including blepharoplasty to raise droopy eyelids or other procedures to smooth out wrinkles
- Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research investigating different eye diseases and vision disorders.

FAQs About Optometry vs Ophthalmology

Which profession should I see if I’m worried about my eyesight?

If you have concerns about your eyes or your vision, your first point of call is usually your local optometrist who can assess your eye health and visual acuity with a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist will help you manage a wide range of eye and vision concerns, and can refer you to a recommended ophthalmologist if needed to address serious eye concerns or findings. The only scenario where you may wish to book in with an ophthalmologist first is if you are already under the care of (or have previously been under the care of) an ophthalmologist who is familiar with your history, and medical circumstances, and has treated you in the past.

Why choose Stacey & Stacey Optometrists over other clinics?

Your eyesight is of utmost importance to us. We know that for many, it is something that is taken for granted until a problem arises. When this occurs, we wholeheartedly understand how important it is to you to regain your full eyesight and reduce the likelihood of other problems in the future.

When it comes to eyewear, we also understand the importance of having frames and lenses that suit your face shape and personality. For many of our clients, it makes up a big part of their personality and makes an excellent first impression when meeting others. Ensuring every part of your care is best suited for you is of utmost importance to us. Other reasons why people choose our leading clinics include:

Our focus on prevention

With up to 90% of all vision loss being preventable, we strongly believe in taking a preventative and proactive approach to each person’s eye care, utilising early detection techniques and technology to help protect and promote vision and overall eye health. We know how important your eyesight and eye health are for your overall well-being, and your ability to stay independent and enjoy doing the things you love.

There are many eye diseases that have few or no early symptoms, and they can develop at any age. This is why we recommend having regular eye health checks with a team of experienced optometrists, who use their comprehensive knowledge paired with digital tools to help track subtle changes in your eyes over time, and pick up on any concerns as soon as they arise, so you can start your treatment and management plan as soon as possible.

Our innovative equipment and advanced specialist services

We offer specialised vision testing, alongside advanced treatment options and preventative strategies. Our optometrists can fit you with uniquely tailored prescription lenses, frames and contact lenses to best correct your eyesight and suit your vision needs, your lifestyle, and your preferred aesthetics, including designer eyewear with many leading international and independent brands. Consultations for contact lenses or for people with specific health requirements can also be easily arranged.

As well as our comprehensive eye exams, we offer a variety of specialist services using modern equipment for maximum comfort, including Retinal Photography and Optical Coherence Tomography, which can help identify a range of eye diseases in their early stages, including:

- Diabetic changes or retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Retinal vascular changes
- Retinal detachment

We also offer targeted care for a wide range of eye conditions, whether you suffer from dry eyes, colour impairment, eye strain, or a medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or glaucoma, and more. Every treatment plan is designed uniquely for your needs, and preferences, and to help optimise your quality of life.

Our friendly, experienced and highly-qualified staff

Beyond our innovative equipment and evidence-based optometry care, we have a world-class team of passionate and dedicated eye health practitioners that understand that everyone has different preferences and priorities for their glasses and optical care, and so work closely with you to help you stay comfortable and confident at every step of the journey.

Our qualified eye care professionals are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your eyesight, going above and beyond for your care, supporting you at every step, and ensuring you feel comfortable, listened to, and informed.

Our flexible payment options

We offer bulk-billed comprehensive eye exams (subject to Medicare eligibility), and work extensively alongside the DVA, NDIS and health funds.

Four stores surrounding Townsville in Far North Queensland

We have four stores for your convenience in Ayr, Charters Towers, Aitkenvale and Kirwan.

To explore our range of expert professional services across our wide range of optometry services, explore our website, or book your appointment, contact one of your local clinics here.