Eye care guide
Optometrist vs ophthalmologist
Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin· Last recorded site review
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This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.
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.
Trusted sources
For general background, these organisations provide eye-health information. This list is further reading, not a record that they reviewed this article.