Optometrist or Ophthalmologist: Which Eye Doctor Do You Need?
Searching for an eye doctor, you’ll see two titles: optometrist and ophthalmologist. Both are eye doctors, and in most of Florida you can see either one without a referral. The right choice depends on what you need.
What an optometrist does
An optometrist (O.D., Doctor of Optometry) is the eye doctor most people see for routine and medical eye care. Florida optometrists are licensed to examine, diagnose and treat many eye conditions, and to prescribe medicated eye drops and many oral medications. At Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists, our optometrists provide:
- Comprehensive eye exams for adults and kids from age 1
- Glasses and contact lens prescriptions, including scleral lenses for keratoconus
- Same-day urgent care for red eyes, infections, scratches and something in the eye
- Diagnosis and management of glaucoma, dry eye, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration
- Myopia management for children
- Driver license and DOT vision forms
What an ophthalmologist does
An ophthalmologist (M.D. or D.O.) is a medical doctor who completed a surgical residency in eye care. Ophthalmologists perform eye surgery, such as cataract surgery, LASIK, glaucoma surgery and retina procedures, and many focus on one area, like the retina or the cornea.
Which one should you see?
- See an optometrist for a yearly eye exam, glasses or contacts, a red or irritated eye, dry eye, headaches or eye strain, a driver license form, or monitoring of a condition like glaucoma.
- See an ophthalmologist when you need surgery or a specialist procedure, such as cataract surgery or treatment for wet macular degeneration or a retinal detachment.
Not sure? Start with an optometrist. If you need surgery or a specialist, we refer you to an ophthalmologist and stay involved in your care.
How we work with ophthalmologists
We refer to trusted cataract, retina, cornea and glaucoma surgeons in Tampa Bay, and we often see patients before and after surgery, including LASIK and SMILE aftercare. Retina specialists also send patients to Dr. Christopher Tumolo for detailed refractions after treatment.
What about opticians?
An optician fits and adjusts glasses from a doctor’s prescription. Dr. Tumolo is both an optometrist and a licensed optician, and our opticians measure and fit every pair in our offices.
Questions from former patients
Is an optometrist a real doctor?
Yes. Optometrists earn a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree after four years of optometry school, and Florida licenses them to diagnose and treat many eye conditions and prescribe medications.
Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist?
Usually not, but some insurance plans require one. If you need surgery or a specialist, we can refer you.
Can an optometrist treat eye infections?
Yes. Our optometrists diagnose and treat eye infections, often the same day, and prescribe medicated drops when needed.
Who should I see for cataracts?
An optometrist can find cataracts and track them. When it’s time for surgery, we refer you to a cataract surgeon, who is an ophthalmologist, and can see you for follow-up care.
Are your doctors optometrists or ophthalmologists?
Our doctors are optometrists. We refer to ophthalmologists when you need surgery or a specialist.