I have a bad eye infection, who should i go see first? my optometrist or primary doctor?

Neither: If you have a bad eye infection, you need to see an ophthalmologist not an optometrist or primary care physician (unless you need referral). Some serious eye infections need culture prior to antibiotic therapy and an ophthalmologist is most skilled at obtaining the specimen. Also it may not even be an infection...!

Dr Bensinger and another doctor agreed

Eye infection: Either is okay. If your health care provider requires help based on the type of infection, a referral may be necessary to an eye md (ophthalmologist). Preferably any serious eye infection should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

Ophthalmologist: Eye infections can by far best be handled by an ophthalmologist - a fully trained eye specialist. Optometrists are good at eyeglass fitting and contact lenses but are not medical doctors.

Dr Fishburn agreed