Opthamologist vs Optometrist
 

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.

Get checked out.
 

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!!

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.

I see your point.
 

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.

"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."

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

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

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....

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.

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

Total faith in my optometrist
 

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
 

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!