How does optometry differ from ophthalmology?

See below: An ophthalmologist is an md who does his residency in eye disease and surgery. An optometrist is not an md but an od who does 4 years of optometry school.

Brief answer...: Ophthalmologists have gone to medical school and have a good basis in general medicine, anatomy and physiology. They then do residency where they learn how to diagnose and treat eye problems medically and surgically, all under supervision. Optometrists go to optometry school where they learn about the eyes and also delve into optics, refractions, contact lenses as well as some pathology.

Huge: From a training stand point, optometrist do only 4 years of optometry school after undergrad. Focus mainly on glasses & contacts. Ophthalmologist do 4 years medical school, and at least 4 years of post graduate training (so a total of 8) after undergrad. Focus mainly on diseases & surgery. That is not where it stops, but where it begins... There is a reason why it is called "practice" of medicine.

Md's: Ophthalmologists are m.d. Who do additional training ( residency ) specializing in eyes. They can do surgery. Optometrists are not medical doctors (md) and do not go to medical school. They cannot do surgery