Definitions

Ophthalmologists - Medical Doctors

Why choose an ophthalmologist? Because of their medical education and specialized training.

Overview: Ophthalmologists and doctors of osteopathy (DOs) are the medical doctors on the eye care team. They are trained to deliver total eye care, including surgery, advanced care and prescribing contacts and glasses. Ophthalmologists have four years of medical school, followed by four years of residency and a lifetime of continuing education and refinement.

An ophthalmologist is a physician (Doctor of Medicine [M.D.] or Doctor of Osteopathy [D. O.]), who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system, and in the prevention of eye disease and injury. An ophthalmologist has completed four (4) or more years of college premedical education, four (4) or more years of medical school, one (1) year minimum of internship, and three (3) or more years of specialized medical, surgical, and refractive training and experience in eye care. An ophthalmologist is a specialist who is qualified by lengthy medical education, training, and experience to diagnose, treat and manage all eye and visual systems, and is licensed by a state regulatory board to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist is a medically trained specialist who can deliver total eye care: primary, secondary, and tertiary (i.e., vision services, contact lenses, eye examinations, medical eye care, and surgical eye care), diagnose general diseases of the body, and treat ocular manifestations of systemic disease.

Optometrist

Overview: Optometrists examine the eye to diagnose vision problems and abnormalities and prescribe contact lenses and glasses. Optometrists earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree (Different from DO degree) after attending four years of optometry school, but optometrists are not medical doctors. Opticians dispense and fit contact lenses and glasses. Opticians have earned either an associate opticianry degree or apprenticed for two years.

An optometrist is a health service provider who is involved exclusively with vision problems. Optometrists are specifically educated and trained by an accredited optometry college in a four year course, but have not received a medical degree. They are state licensed to examine the eyes and determine the presence of vision problems. Optometrists determine visual acuity and prescribe spectacles, contact lenses, and eye exercises. Optometrists may perform all services listed under the definition of an optician in their respective states. (Definition from Medem Web Site.)

For more information on definitions and differences, go to: https://www.aao.org/aao/about/team.cfm

For specific information on optometry scope of practice in Tennessee, refer to the Tennessee Code Annotated, Official Edition, Book 11, Titles 63, 64.

Optician

An optician is a technician who makes, verifies, and delivers lenses, frames, and optical devices and/or contact lenses under prescription to the intended wearer. The optician's functions include prescription analysis and interpretation; determination of the lens forms best suited to the wearer's needs; the preparation and delivery of work orders for the grinding of lenses and the fabrication of eyewear, the verification of the finished ophthalmic products; and the adjustment, replacement, repair, and reproduction of previously prepared ophthalmic lenses, frames and other specially fabricated ophthalmic devices.

Ophthalmic Medical Assistant

These technicians work in the Eye M.D.'s office and are trained to perform a variety of tests and help the physician with examining and treating patients.

Ophthalmic Technicians/Technologists

These are highly trained or experienced medical assistants who assist the physician with more complicated or technical medical tests and minor office surgery.

Ophthalmic Registered Nurse

These clinicians have undergone special nursing training and may have additional training in ophthalmic nursing. They may assist the physician in more technical tasks, such as injecting medications or assisting with hospital or office surgery. Some ophthalmic registered nurses also serve as clinic or hospital administrators.

Ophthalmic Photographer

These individuals use specialized cameras and photographic methods to document patient's eye conditions in photographs.

An Ophthalmologist will generally specialize in one of the following areas. (Listed alphabetically)

• Anterior Segment Surgery
• Cornea & External Disease
• Comprehensive (general eye care - includes cataract & refractive surgery)
• Glaucoma
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Neuro Ophthalmology
• Oculo-Plastic/Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery
• Refractive Surgery (RK, PRK, LASIK, Intacs, Corneal Rings, etc.)
• Retina/Vitreous