Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
In Focus Eyecare

1701 First Baxter Crossing, Suites 202-203

Fort Mill, SC 29708 US

803-802-6522

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • Eyecare Services
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Hard to Fit Contacts
    • Medical Eye Exams
    • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) with Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)
    • Lasik Eye Surgery
    • Computer Vision
    • Sunglasses
    • Vision Therapy
  • Products
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Location & Office Information
    • Meet our Doctor
    • Insurance and Payment
    • Meet our Staff
    • FAQ
  • Myopia Control for Your Child
  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) with Paragon CRT®
  • Payments Options
  • Frame Selection
  • Training Videos
  • About Us
    • Meet the Optometrist
    • Meet the Team
  • Contact Us
  • Community Content
    • Eyeglasses
    • Newsletters
      • Medical Perspectives
      • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
      • Kid's Vision
      • Conditions That Affect Vision
      • Tips for Healthy Eyes
      • Contacts
      • Glasses & Frames
    • Vision Problems
    • Eye Symptoms
    • All About Eyes
    • Eye Diseases
    • Contact Lenses
    • Common Eye Conditions
      • Vision Impairment
      • Injury & Irritation
      • Eye Lids
      • Cognitive and Acquired
      • Changes in Appearance
      • Age-Related
    • What is Vision Therapy
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletters >
  • Medical Perspectives >
  • Optometry Versus Ophthalmology: What’s the Difference?

Optometry Versus Ophthalmology: What’s the Difference?

  • Created in Newsletters, Medical Perspectives
Image of man looking at eye chart.

Ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians all play an integral role in eye and vision care. While they often work in collaboration, they require varying levels of education and are qualified to help you and your eyes in different ways.

If you aren’t sure who to talk to about your eyes, keep reading for an overview of the three Os of eye care and how each of them can help you.

Optometrists

Optometry tends to be the first line of defense in maintaining healthy eyes. The scope of practice for optometrists can vary from state to state but primarily focuses on vision problems.

One of optometrists’ primary responsibilities is to perform eye examinations to detect the presence of vision problems. Many people associate eye examinations with poor vision, but they aren’t only for people who need glasses. Regular eye exams can play an important role in maintaining overall health and helping detect other diseases, including diabetes and hypertension.

Optometrists can also prescribe glasses, contact lenses and sometimes medicated eye drops to correct the problem.

Optometrists often collaborate with ophthalmologists, or eye surgeons, and recommend patients to them who may need specialized care. Sometimes, the optometrist provides pre- or post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgery with an ophthalmologist.

Optometrists typically provide:

  • Vision services, such as eye examinations
  • Treatment of conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
  • Eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions and fittings
  • Low vision aids and vision therapy
  • Diagnoses of eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and conjunctivitis
  • Medication prescriptions to treat certain eye conditions (in some states)
  • Pre- or post-operative care for people who need surgery

Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmology is the study of the anatomy, functions and diseases of the eye, and ophthalmologists deliver total eye care. As licensed medical professionals, their minimum of eight years of medical training allows them to diagnose, treat, manage eye diseases and perform surgery. They are experts in the entire optic system and provide insight into how both eye diseases and their treatments interact elsewhere in the body. Ophthalmologists can customize treatment to suit patients’ unique vision health needs.

Some of the services ophthalmologists provide include:

  • Eye health services, including regular eye exams and refractive eye care
  • Medical eye care for conditions such as chemical burns, glaucoma and iritis
  • Surgical eye care for trauma, cataracts, glaucoma and other vision problems
  • Diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions related to other diseases, such as arthritis or diabetes

In addition, some ophthalmologists provide plastic surgery — to correct drooping eyelids and to smooth wrinkles around the eyes.

If your eyes have been bothering you or you have any questions about the right person to see for your eyes, contact your doctor for more helpful information.

  • Eyeglasses
  • Newsletters
    • Medical Perspectives
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Kid's Vision
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Contacts
    • Glasses & Frames
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • All About Eyes
  • Eye Diseases
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Eye Lids
    • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Age-Related
  • What is Vision Therapy

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

    View Forms
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

    Schedule Now
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

    Learn More

Monday:

12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Locations

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Review From Our Satisfied Patient

  • "I would highly recommend Dr. Neff. She takes the time to explain your vision and focus on her patients. Her staff is also awesome! Nice office atmosphere!"
    Frankie S. / Fort Mill, SC

Featured Articles

Read up on informative topics

  • How to Make Your Child's First Visit to the Optometrist a Success

    Worried that your child may be uncooperative during his or her first visit to the optometrist? These tips will help make the visit a positive experience. ...

    Read More
  • Makeup Tips for Sensitive Eyes

    Do your cosmetics make your eyes water and burn? Try these makeup tips for sensitive eyes. ...

    Read More
  • Does Outside Playtime Improve Children's Eyesight?

    Have you ever wondered why some people become nearsighted? Lack of time in the sun may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • Proper Contact Lens Care Keeps Your Lenses Comfortable and Clean

    Do you follow care recommendations for your contact lenses? If not, you may putting your vision at risk. ...

    Read More
  • What Happens When You Don't Wear Sunglasses?

    Have you lost your sunglasses again? Failing to wear the glasses consistently may lead to several eye conditions. ...

    Read More
  • Curbing Macular Degeneration

    Macular degeneration represents one of the most significant causes of vision loss in older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1.8 million people currently suffer from macular degeneration, with an additional 7.3 million people at risk of developing this ...

    Read More
  • Premature Babies and Vision Problems

    Prematurity can cause a range of vision problems. Fortunately, optometrists offer a range of treatments and devices that can improve your child's ability to see. ...

    Read More
  • What Do Your Eyes Say About Your Health?

    Subtle changes in your eyes may be the first signs of a health problem. ...

    Read More
  • How to Clean Your Eyeglasses

    Do you know how to clean your eyeglasses correctly? Take a look a few tips that will keep your specs cleaner. ...

    Read More
  • All About Amblyopia

    Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a visual disorder caused by abnormal vision development, often occurring during infancy. Patients with amblyopia have reduced vision in one eye, because it is not working properly in conjunction with the brain. With early detection and proper treatment, loss of ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

Social Media

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Health Disclaimer
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map