Opthamologist vs Optometrist

[Rapscallion St Croix]

A few months back I began to have some serious floaters in my right eye. I went to my optometrist, whom I found via recommendations on TOTV, and with whom I had been previously satisfied. He examined me and said my eyes were healthy other than a small cataract that needed no attention, but that I needed a new prescription. So, I plunked down the few hundred bucks for new tri-focals plus new golfing glasses. The floaters got worse and I developed a black curtain in the left side of my field of vision. Unhappy with my previous Dr, I called Ocala Eye at Laurel Manor. The technician who interviewed me over the phone was very concerned, but they had no appointments available in the near future. She put me in a triage queue. Within an hour, she called back and told me to come in the next morning and cautioned me not to eat or drink prior to the appointment. The Dr I saw immediately diagnosed me with a giant retinal tear and sent me straight to their retina specialist in Orlando. When he examined me, he sent me straight to the Orlando Regional Medical Center to await emergency surgery which he performed at 4pm. The diagnosis was giant retinal tear due to lattice deterioration, a condition that should have been detected by my optometrist. The retina specialist also told me that I have lattice deterioration in my other eye and that I should have prophylactic procedure on it soon. You can draw your own conclusion, but as for me...I now class optometrists as "eye glass salespeople" and will never use them again unless they are associated with a full service eye car facility. I realize that I have made a sweeping generalization and I am fine with that. Draw you own conclusion, but after seeing how difficult it has been to only have the use of one eye for the last month, I am taking as few chances as possible with my vision. That includes eliminating some previous careless behavior such as leaving my safety goggles hanging on a hook when I am drilling, grinding, etc.
Thank you, Ocala Eye professionals.

[Carl in Tampa]

You have done a great public service by reminding (or informing those who did not know) people that only an ophthalmologist can identify and treat medical problems of the eye.

An optometrist is qualified to perform refraction measurements, external to the eye, so you may be fitted for eyeglasses. This is not a medical procedure. At Tampa Eye Clinic, where I get all of my eye examinations done, refractions are done by assistants, and procedures to examine or treat the interior of my eyes are done by a doctor.

All diabetics should have periodic examinations done by an ophthalmologist due to the hazard of developing diabetic retinopathy and eventual blindness.

An opthalmologic exam should be a part of the health care program of people of retirement age.

[NYGUY]

You have done a great public service by reminding (or informing those who did not know) people that only an ophthalmologist can identify and treat medical problems of the eye.

An optometrist is qualified to perform refraction measurements, external to the eye, so you may be fitted for eyeglasses. This is not a medical procedure. At Tampa Eye Clinic, where I get all of my eye examinations done, refractions are done by assistants, and procedures to examine or treat the interior of my eyes are done by a doctor.

All diabetics should have periodic examinations done by an ophthalmologist due to the hazard of developing diabetic retinopathy and eventual blindness.

An opthalmologic exam should be a part of the health care program of people of retirement age.

Absolutely correct!!

[Mikeod]

You have done a great public service by reminding (or informing those who did not know) people that only an ophthalmologist can identify and treat medical problems of the eye.

An optometrist is qualified to perform refraction measurements, external to the eye, so you may be fitted for eyeglasses. This is not a medical procedure. At Tampa Eye Clinic, where I get all of my eye examinations done, refractions are done by assistants, and procedures to examine or treat the interior of my eyes are done by a doctor.

All diabetics should have periodic examinations done by an ophthalmologist due to the hazard of developing diabetic retinopathy and eventual blindness.

An opthalmologic exam should be a part of the health care program of people of retirement age.
Your post is grossly inaccurate in its description of optometry training and scope of practice. It may have been accurate prior to 1975, but not since then. Optometrists are trained extensively in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of external and internal ocular disease. State licensing of optometrists varies, but they are licensed to treat ocular disease by non-surgical means.

In my 34 years of practice in many different settings, I have been responsible for all types of patients. I routinely screened thousands of diabetic patients for retina changes including counseling them on controlling their disease. I identified and followed glaucoma suspects, referring them for definitive care when their test results indicated. I performed pre- and post-surgical care for cataract patients, strabismus patients, and others. I’ve successfully treated everything from external disease to internal disease. I’ve identified many patients with systemic diseases and referred them for proper care through their PCMD or specialist. And I was the “old guy”. The recent graduates of optometry training are far better prepared than I was.

If someone is more secure seeing an ophthalmologist for eyecare, I would not dissuade them. I have great appreciation for the skills and training of the ophthalmologists I’ve known. But in my years of practice I have also seen misadventures by them as well. One, in particular remains clear in my mind, where an ophthalmologist refused to see a post-surgical vitrectomy patient with a clear case of angle closure glaucoma because they were “done” for the day. I stayed after clinic closing to treat this man and save his vision. Should I classify ophthalmologists for the actions of this one?

It is no more accurate to disparage all optometrists for this case than it is to denigrate all of any group for the actions of a few.

[Carl in Tampa]

Mikeod,

I thought my post would probably offend some retired optometrist. Note that I did not concur with the original poster that optometrists were classed as "eye glass salespeople."

You undoubtedly did a lot of good for a lot of people, particularly with glaucoma screenings, because if you had not done the preliminary screenings to identify potential problems, the people might never have sought medical treatment. I applaud you for that.

However, I remain steadfast that when I go for an eye examination I want it done by a medical doctor who is an eye specialist. That is my position.

[Greg Nelson]

Under no circumstances accept a free eye exam from an optician!

[Mikeod]

Mikeod,

I thought my post would probably offend some retired optometrist. Note that I did not concur with the original poster that optometrists were classed as "eye glass salespeople."

You undoubtedly did a lot of good for a lot of people, particularly with glaucoma screenings, because if you had not done the preliminary screenings to identify potential problems, the people might never have sought medical treatment. I applaud you for that.

However, I remain steadfast that when I go for an eye examination I want it done by a medical doctor who is an eye specialist. That is my position.
As I posted in my response, I would never discourage anyone from visiting the eyecare professional they feel is best for their particular needs. My intent was to clarify the vast difference in the training and capability of today's optometrist vs. years ago.

Best to you.

[RickeyD]

"Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist — Eye M.D. — is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists differ from optometrists and opticians in their levels of training and in what they can diagnose and treat. As a medical doctor who has completed college and at least eight years of additional medical training, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research on the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision disorders.
Subspecialists: additional knowledge and training for specific eye needs

While ophthalmologists are trained to care for all eye problems and conditions, some Eye M.D.s specialize in a specific area of medical or surgical eye care. This person is called a subspecialist. He or she usually completes one or two years of additional, more in-depth training called a fellowship in one of the main subspecialty areas such as glaucoma, retina, cornea, pediatrics, neurology and plastic surgery, as well as others. This added training and knowledge prepares an ophthalmologist take care of more complex or specific conditions in certain areas of the eye or in certain groups of patients.
Optometrist

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. An optometrist is not a medical doctor. An optometrist receives a doctor of optometry (OD) degree after completing four years of optometry school, preceded by three years or more years of college. They are licensed to practice optometry, which primarily involves performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, detecting certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases."

[Nucky]

Mr. Scallion, I'm glad your ok. I have never had to deal with eye issues until last week. Not fun. Glad you had the good sense to soldier on. Good example to many including me. Hope your well. Nucky

[manaboutown]

At 74 years of age I only get my eyes examined by opthalmologists (MDs).

[Greg Nelson]

Once upon a time I was a master optician. (My grandfather founded Benson and Walman Optical Companies in 1913!) My dad was and my brother are both OD's. Some OD's like my brother are up on all the latest medical developments. The quality of eye exam can vary greatly. Both OD's and MD's have there place....

[ColdNoMore]

At 74 years of age I only get my eyes examined by opthalmologists (MDs).

Although a bit younger than yourself, I too only use ophthalmologists. :thumbup:

Two instances in my life where an optometrist missed diagnosing me with something pretty simple and told me everything was fine, but could have led to a much larger problem...is the reason for this.

[eremite06]

I had an optometrist diagnose me with macular degeneration. Went to Ocala Eye and the lead M.D., now retired, refuted that diagnosis.

[toeser]

I in no way dispute your post and you have probably made the correct decision for you. But I have been seeing the same optometrist for a very long time and have total confidence he would have found your condition. His exams are long, thorough, and detailed. An ophthalmologist may or may not give me the same amount of time and attention. I think you may simply have had a poor optometrist.

I have had exactly one medical exam since moving to TV. The doctor completely and totally sucked. I would have gotten a better exam from a nurse. Attitude is a huge factor, possibly more than training that makes a good doctor.

[OhioBuckeye]

A few months back I began to have some serious floaters in my right eye. I went to my optometrist, whom I found via recommendations on TOTV, and with whom I had been previously satisfied. He examined me and said my eyes were healthy other than a small cataract that needed no attention, but that I needed a new prescription. So, I plunked down the few hundred bucks for new tri-focals plus new golfing glasses. The floaters got worse and I developed a black curtain in the left side of my field of vision. Unhappy with my previous Dr, I called Ocala Eye at Laurel Manor. The technician who interviewed me over the phone was very concerned, but they had no appointments available in the near future. She put me in a triage queue. Within an hour, she called back and told me to come in the next morning and cautioned me not to eat or drink prior to the appointment. The Dr I saw immediately diagnosed me with a giant retinal tear and sent me straight to their retina specialist in Orlando. When he examined me, he sent me straight to the Orlando Regional Medical Center to await emergency surgery which he performed at 4pm. The diagnosis was giant retinal tear due to lattice deterioration, a condition that should have been detected by my optometrist. The retina specialist also told me that I have lattice deterioration in my other eye and that I should have prophylactic procedure on it soon. You can draw your own conclusion, but as for me...I now class optometrists as "eye glass salespeople" and will never use them again unless they are associated with a full service eye car facility. I realize that I have made a sweeping generalization and I am fine with that. Draw you own conclusion, but after seeing how difficult it has been to only have the use of one eye for the last month, I am taking as few chances as possible with my vision. That includes eliminating some previous careless behavior such as leaving my safety goggles hanging on a hook when I am drilling, grinding, etc.
Thank you, Ocala Eye professionals.
You know you're exactly right about the Optometrist. If you want steak you don't go to Chick Fil Lay, because they tell you chickhen is better for you. I did got to my Optometrist to get new glasses which I got but the Optometrist there told me that I had Glaucoma & told me he could recommend a Dr. to double check it or get it corrected. Dumb me, I haven't done it yet! Thanks for the info you gave me, you opened my eyes a bit!

[zonerboy]

Retinal tears and detachments are very serious conditions which require immediate attention. Some optometrists may be able to diagnose them but none are qualified to treat them. I suffered a detachment in my left eye and did not seek treatment soon enough. As a result, despite surgery on the eye, I have very poor vision in that eye which cannot be corrected by eye glasses. I failed the drivers test with that eye and while my other eye has 20/20 vision, I have very poor depth perception. I can no longer play softball (can't judge a fly ball or the location of a pitch) and it doesn't help my golf game much either.

[manaboutown]

I have had exactly one medical exam since moving to TV. The doctor completely and totally sucked. I would have gotten a better exam from a nurse. Attitude is a huge factor, possibly more than training that makes a good doctor.

Well, you do know what they call the person who graduated at the bottom of their class in medical school.... Doctor...

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Well, you do know what they call the person who graduated at the bottom of their class in medical school.... Doctor...

A variation on that theme is the one we got in the military....Your weapon was provided by the lowest bidder.

[zonerboy]

Yeah, I know. 50 percent of doctors graduated in the bottom half of their class in med school.

[bunnyhop]

A few months back I began to have some serious floaters in my right eye. I went to my optometrist, whom I found via recommendations on TOTV, and with whom I had been previously satisfied. He examined me and said my eyes were healthy other than a small cataract that needed no attention, but that I needed a new prescription. So, I plunked down the few hundred bucks for new tri-focals plus new golfing glasses. The floaters got worse and I developed a black curtain in the left side of my field of vision. Unhappy with my previous Dr, I called Ocala Eye at Laurel Manor. The technician who interviewed me over the phone was very concerned, but they had no appointments available in the near future. She put me in a triage queue. Within an hour, she called back and told me to come in the next morning and cautioned me not to eat or drink prior to the appointment. The Dr I saw immediately diagnosed me with a giant retinal tear and sent me straight to their retina specialist in Orlando. When he examined me, he sent me straight to the Orlando Regional Medical Center to await emergency surgery which he performed at 4pm. The diagnosis was giant retinal tear due to lattice deterioration, a condition that should have been detected by my optometrist. The retina specialist also told me that I have lattice deterioration in my other eye and that I should have prophylactic procedure on it soon. You can draw your own conclusion, but as for me...I now class optometrists as "eye glass salespeople" and will never use them again unless they are associated with a full service eye car facility. I realize that I have made a sweeping generalization and I am fine with that. Draw you own conclusion, but after seeing how difficult it has been to only have the use of one eye for the last month, I am taking as few chances as possible with my vision. That includes eliminating some previous careless behavior such as leaving my safety goggles hanging on a hook when I am drilling, grinding, etc.
Thank you, Ocala Eye professionals.

OCALA EYE IS THE BEST!
Be very careful about going to any eye-care specialist here in The Villages! I had a bad experience with one of the most popular, and ended up having to go to Ocala Eye Surgery Center to correct the damage. It takes a long time to get in with Ocala Eye, but it's well-worth the wait. Don't take chances with the other one.

[John_W]

In August 2013 while playing a round of golf at Cane Garden, we were threesome and I didn't have anyone in my cart with me. To my right I kept seeing this dragon fly, and everytime I turned my head he went away. I finally realized it was in my vision. I had never heard of floaters. BTW, I shot a 79 that day from the blue tees, which I normally shot mid to high 80's. I think having the eye problem made me concentrate harder.

As soon as I got home I called the eye specialist at the VA Clinic in TV at Mulberry. They had me come right in and checked everything out. They said go home and if you see a black curtain, call right away, after two days and nothing you'll be OK.

The floaters come and go. The worse was in the second year in 2014 during bright sunlight, usually when playing shortstop in softball or playing golf. It would be right in front of me instead of to the right. It became very irritating when I had to watch for balls hit right at me, especially line drives.

The good part was they saw I had cataracts and I had both eyes operated on at the VA Hospital in Gainesville in August 2015. The floaters have just about disappeared and my eyesight has improved from 20/40 to 20/25 from the cataract surgery.

[Boomer]

Information is widely and wisely available so we can recognize the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. I wish the same were true for the symptoms of retinal detachment. But that's not the case so I thought I would try here to do my part.

The following information is from the Mayo Clinic website. You can go to their site and read the entire entry to learn more about how the retina detaches and how important it is to get immediate care.


Retinal Detachment:

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Symptoms

Retinal detachment itself is painless. But warning signs almost always appear before it occurs or has advanced, such as:

•The sudden appearance of many floaters — tiny specks that seem to drift through your field of vision
•Flashes of light in one or both eyes
•Blurred vision
•Gradually reduced side (peripheral) vision
•A curtain-like shadow over your visual field


When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing the signs or symptoms of retinal detachment. You are at greater risk of developing a retinal detachment if:

•You're older than 50
•You or a family member has had a detached retina
•You're extremely nearsighted

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency in which you can permanently lose your vision.

Causes

Retinal detachment can occur as a result of:

•A sagging vitreous (VIT-ree-us) — the gel-like material that fills the inside of your eye
•Injury
•Advanced diabetes