You've probably heard of each of these medical terms to refer to someone who specialises in eye health and sight, but what's the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist? In this blog, we'll talk you through each of these titles and what each professional covers, so you can use the information to make an informed eye health decision in the future, should you need it!
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a physician and often a surgeon who has trained as a medical doctor, specialising in eye health, vision and eye-related diseases. Ophthalmologists diagnose, monitor and treat all eye conditions, and many will have a specific specialist skill in the realm of vision. To see an ophthalmologist in Australia, you need a referral from a GP or optometrist first.
Optometrist An optometrist is also a highly trained professional who provides primary health care, and is generally the first point of call when it comes to eye health and vision. Anyone can visit an optometrist without a referral. When you visit an optometrist, it's standard to have a consultation about the status of your current vision, check for any signs of eye problems, will perform some vision test. They can also prescribe glasses, contacts and other reading aids.
One thing to note is that both ophthalmologists and optometrists can work collaboratively to provide the best care for eye health. The two professions have different but complimentary skills, putting patients first and foremost.
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Zephyr Medical is a bulk-billed mobile optometry clinic, servicing the South-East Queensland and Northern NSW regions. Our team is dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive services to benefit their eye health in the comfort of their own environment or workplace. Get in touch with us today to book an optometrist appointment that suits your schedule.
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