dxa@bentley.UUCP (DR Anolick) (02/13/85)
A few weeks ago I posted a request for information and suggestions about who to see for eye checkups, an Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, or a vision "store." I received seventeen replys, with much too much information to list each reply here. So, I'll just give a quick summary. Thirteen of the seventeen replies recommended an Ophthalmologist over an Optometrist. Very few of the replies even mentioned the possibility of going to a vision "store," and those that did mention it were very negative. So it seems like the net feels that it is a good idea to stay away from that type of eye treatment. A number of people also pointed out that Ophthalmologists and Optometrists were just like all other professions in that there are good ones and bad ones. So, if you have a bad experience with one or the other, don't judge the entire profession. The best way to summarize the difference between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists was given by Tracy Tims: Optometrists are primarily concerned about the functioning of the eye as a VISUAL system. The Ophthalmologist is concerned about the eye as an organ in general. This difference is because Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the eye as an organ. Optometrists are NOT medical doctors, but are extensively trained in fitting eyeglasses and/or contacts. Glenn Kapetansky put the difference this way: Your question [Ophthalmologists vs Optometrists] is really similar to saying "I can get drugs from a doctor or a pharmacist. Do I really need to see the doctor?" In all fairness to Optometrists, a number of people pointed out that if someone is fairly confident with the overall health of there eyes and just needs a new fitting for contacts or glasses, than seeing an Optometrist is probably all that you would need, and would probably be less expensive. Because of the history of eye problems that I have had (I started with glasses in the third grade), I will definitely be seeing an Ophthalmologists. I was pretty much sure of that decision before I posted to the net, but I wanted to hear what others would say. I am not willing to take any chances with my eyesight. Thanks to everyone who sent me a reply, I hope this summary helps others who may have had similar questions. If anyone wants a full copy of the responses I received, let me know and I'll send you one. (But be warned, its very very long) TTFN, Droyan ..ihnp4!bentley!dxa David Roy Anolick ^ ^^^ ^^
tracy@hcrvx1.UUCP (Tracy Tims) (02/14/85)
I just want to point out a couple of things. First is that optometrists are
Doctors. They are Doctors of Optometry. Up here it takes 6 years of
university to be one. You can learn a lot in 6 years.
The second thing is that they know a lot more than how to fit glasses and
lenses. Yup, they can do that really well. They are also really good
at recognising *medical* conditions. They study hard to be able to do that.
The goal is so that you *don't have to go to an ophthalmologist* unless you
actually, really, honestly do have something pathological or medical wrong
that needs treatment.
Optometrists know easily enough to send you to the right person when something
goes wrong. They are trained even to spot signs of diseases like diabetes
in your eyes. The only thing they don't concentrate on in terms of eyes is
how to *treat* medical and pathological conditions.
Optometrists are involved in research into eyes and visual systems. There are
graduate programs in optometry.
They are serious eye care professionals. Think of them as the dentists (rather
than the oral surgeons) of the eye care world.
"Some of my best friends are optometrists!"
Tracy Tims ihnp4!utzoo!hcr!hcrvx1!tracy
Human Computing Resources Corporation utcsri!hcr!hcrvx1!tracy
Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 416 922-1937 dciem!hcr!hcrvx1!tracy