You may not know what sets ophthalmology apart from optometry, but you will likely find out at some point that you should know differences. Otherwise, you may get charged differently by your insurance provider since you may see the wrong type of doctor.
Many people do not know the differences between ophthalmology and optometry, which may result in them going to the wrong doctor for their eye issues. The main difference is that an optometrist is best for giving eye tests and prescribing contacts and glasses prescriptions. On the other hand, an ophthalmologist is recommended when you have an eye issue, such as dry eyes or macular degeneration. You will be pleased to know, however, that some offices contain both types of practitioners. Find out a bit more about ophthalmology before determining which type of practitioner you need, or if you would benefit from going to an office with both.
The main jobs of an optometrist include administering vision tests before giving out contacts and glasses prescriptions. These practitioners may also adjust glasses, give out information on different kinds of contacts, and determine when a prescription needs to be changed. However, optometrists can also diagnose and treat some of the typical eye issues, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and problems with the retina. Some conditions affect the whole body, as well as the eyes, including diabetes and high blood pressure, and optometrists can diagnose the issue. Additionally, minor injuries, such as having a foreign object in the eye, can be resolved by this type of doctor.
Those who specialize in ophthalmology can perform all of these functions, but they can also perform surgery on the eyes and both diagnose and treat more serious conditions. This is because they need to spend a few years diagnosing and treating a wide range of issues during their residency before they get their official title. In most cases, they also perform a lot of research, and many specialize in one specific area. For example, some may opt to focus on diseases dealing with the cornea, while others choose to specialize in glaucoma or other problems. Pediatrics, plastic surgery, and pathology are all other common specialties for ophthalmologists, though there are other kinds, as well.
One other difference you might notice is that an ophthalmology appointment is often covered differently by insurance than an optometry visit. In fact, visits to your ophthalmologist are usually filed under medical insurance, so any copays associated with that type of coverage should be paid. On the other hand, visits to your optometrist are usually paid for by vision insurance. You need to know the difference because the copays often vary by the type of policy used, and some people only have one or the other kind of coverage anyway.
Thus, it is important that you understand the main differences of these practitioners. Otherwise, you could end up owing money when you assumed the appointment was covered by your provider. In most cases, if you experience an eye injury, you will go to either your main doctor or an urgent care center, at which point you will get a referral to the correct practitioner. This allows you to ensure that you are seeing the right kind of doctor for the eyes, but in case you make your own appointment without first getting a referral, you need to know what sets ophthalmology apart from optometry.
If you have a more serious eye condition, you should visit an experienced Brooklyn Ophthalmology specialist who can specifically treat the issue. Learn more about one practice and its services here:http://www.brightoneye.com/.
