Differences Between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists

Many people think all eye doctors the same. They use the terms Optometrist and Ophthalmologist interchangeably. The truth is that these are two very different types of eye care professionals.

Optometrists

Optometrists have earned a Doctor of Optometry Degree (OD). Optometrists have completed a four-year Bachelor’s Degree, plus four years of post-graduate professional training in optometry school. Their main focus is to provide primary eye care, including vision checks, eye disease diagnosis and overall eye health review. They prescribe corrective lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, and they can prescribe some medications. Optometrists often work closely with ophthalmologists to provide pre- and post-op care for eye surgery patients.

Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists are Medical Doctors (MDs) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) who have achieved a Bachelor’s Degree, four years of medical school encompassing care for the whole body, internships, at least three years of hospital-based residency and additional years of training in eye disease treatment and eye surgery. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform eye surgery, perform eye exams and write prescriptions for medications or corrective lenses.

Certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration, are managed and corrected by ophthalmologists. Eye surgeries such as LASIK or Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens (IOL) implants should only be done by an eye surgeon who is highly experienced and using the latest technologies.

Frequent eye exams, even if you aren’t experiencing any vision problems, can provide early detection – and treatment – of developing issues.

Visit the website of ophthalmologist Dr. O'Day at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery to schedule a Vision Consultation in Charleston, SC. Visit charlestoncornea.com or call 843-856-5275 today.

Be a Positive Role Model for Kids by Enjoying Life to its Fullest

      April 25, 2013 marks the 20^th Anniversary of the “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work® Day” program. Over the years this educational program has had several objectives, including:

• Exposing children to what parents/mentors do at work
• Showing children the value of education
• Helping children discover the power of a balanced work and home life
• Helping children envision their future and take steps toward their own goals

We applaud this program and congratulate the organization and everyone who has participated in the event on one level or another.

Children see adults as role models, whether we are cognizant of this or not. Being a productive member of society is one way to be a positive influence; emitting strong self-confidence, even happiness, is another. When you feel good about yourself – both inside and out – you project positive vibes to everyone around you. Children have an uncanny ability to pick up on these vibes and internalize them to themselves.

If you are constantly hassling with glasses or contacts – or even avoiding certain activities because it’s too difficult to see without your corrective lenses, those negative feelings can be unconsciously transferred to the children around you. LASIK eye surgery can give you freedom from these aggravations, helping you enjoy life more fully. Just picture yourself with 20/20 vision swimming, skiing or playing at the park with your kids. What a great gift to give yourself and the younger people around you.

With the advances in LASIK technologies and LASIK financing options, more people than ever can eliminate their nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Take the first step in discovering if LASIK can give you 20/20 vision. Contact Dr. O’Day at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery to schedule your LASIK Consultation. Call 843-856-5275 or visit charlestoncornea.com.