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Arkansas
Ophthalmological Society
The
Three O's
There has long been confusion about the respective roles that
each of the "Three O's" play in eye care. How can one help but
get confused when you have three words that date back to a dead
language and all start with "OP".
- Ophthalmologist:
An ophthalmologist (also known as an "Eye
M.D.") is a physician (Doctor of Medicine, M.D., or Doctor
of Osteopathic Medicine, D.O.) who specializes in the examination
and treatment of the eyes.
To become an ophthalmologist, one must attend medical school
after college and serve an internship in general medicine.
After the internship, the individual must complete a residency
program in ophthalmology which is generally three years long
and includes between 5,000 and 15,000 contacts with patients.
Though most ophthalmologists practice what is known as "general"
or "comprehensive" ophthalmology, some choose to specialize
in a particular part of the eye (such as the retina or the
muscles around the eye) or type of condition or disease (such
as glaucoma). If the ophthalmologist wishes to specialize,
he or she must complete a fellowship of an additional year
or more.
A common misbelief about ophthalmologists is that they are
not primary eye care providers. That is simply not true. Ophthalmologists
provide total eye care, from performing a check up
to managing a complicated disease.
Ophthalmologists...
- check vision for abnormalities and disease
- prescribe glasses and contact lenses
- treat all eye conditions and disease, including those
of the surrounding flesh, bones, and muscle with surgery
(conventional and laser surgery), medications, etc.
- are trained to diagnose other conditions and illnesses
based on symptoms evident in the eyes and refer patients
to the appropriate physician for treatment
- Optometrist:
An optometrist (Doctor of Optometry or O.D.)
is not a medical doctor, but is trained to diagnose and treat
certain eye abnormalities, and prescribe, supply, and adjust
eyeglasses and contact lenses. The optometric education consists
of two to four years of college and four years in an optometric
college. In Arkansas, qualified optometrists may prescribe and
administer limited drugs to treat certain eye disorders.
- Optician:
An optician measures, fits, adjusts and dispenses
eyeglasses that are prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Opticians cannot examine the eyes for disorders or prescribe
eyeglasses and cannot prescribe or dispense contact lenses and
medication.
Please read our Disclaimer.
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Arkansas Ophthalmological Society
Laura Hawkins - Executive
Director
PO Box 55088
Little Rock, AR 72215-5088
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