--- title: "Optometrist vs ophthalmologist | Eye Health Guide" description: "The difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, what each can diagnose and treat, and when you need a medical eye doctor." url: https://eyehealthguide.org/eye-care/optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist/ source: Eye Health Guide licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer." --- Eye care guide # Optometrist vs ophthalmologist Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026 ### About this review This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded. [How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/) Quick answer An optometrist (optician in the UK) is your first port of call for sight tests, glasses, contact lenses and detecting common eye problems. An ophthalmologist is a medically trained eye doctor who diagnoses and treats eye disease, prescribes specialist medicines and performs surgery. You are usually referred to an ophthalmologist if a sight test finds worrying signs or you need hospital treatment. ### On this page ⌄ 1. What an optometrist does 2. What an ophthalmologist does 3. When to see each 4. Other eye professionals 5. Frequently asked questions ## What an optometrist does Optometrists examine vision and eye health in community practice. - Sight tests and glasses or contact lens prescriptions - Detecting glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic changes and other common conditions - Advising on dry eye, blepharitis and minor eye problems - Referring to hospital eye services when needed ## What an ophthalmologist does Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialise in eyes after medical school. - Diagnosing and treating eye disease such as uveitis, retinal detachment and macular degeneration - Prescribing specialist eye medicines and injections - Performing surgery including cataract, laser and retinal operations - Managing complex or urgent eye emergencies in hospital clinics ## When to see each Book an optometrist for routine exams, new glasses, contact lens checks or mild symptoms. See an ophthalmologist — usually via referral or A&E — for sudden vision loss, severe pain, injury, flashes and floaters, or when an optometrist finds disease needing treatment. ## Other eye professionals Orthoptists assess eye movement and squint, often in hospital teams. Opticians may dispense glasses. Knowing who does what helps you reach the right care faster. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist? An optometrist provides sight tests and detects common problems in practice. An ophthalmologist is a medical eye doctor who treats disease and performs surgery, usually in hospital. ### Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist? In many systems yes for routine hospital care, but eye emergencies should go to A&E or an emergency eye clinic without waiting for a referral. ### Can an optometrist treat eye disease? Optometrists manage some conditions such as dry eye and can prescribe certain medicines in some countries, but serious or surgical disease is treated by ophthalmologists. Your next step ## Take this to your appointment Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment. Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet. ## Trusted sources For general background, these organisations provide eye-health information. This list is further reading, not a record that they reviewed this article. - [NHS — Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/) - [Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/) - [American Academy of Ophthalmology — EyeHealth](https://www.aao.org/eye-health) - [National Eye Institute (NIH)](https://www.nei.nih.gov/) - [College of Optometrists — Look After Your Eyes](https://lookafteryoureyes.org/) - [World Health Organization — Eye care, vision impairment and blindness](https://www.who.int/health-topics/blindness-and-vision-loss)