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A member asked:
What are the differences between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
See below: An ophthalmologist is an md (went to medical school) who can treat medical and surgical diseases of the eye, in addition to prescribing glasses/contacts. An optometrists is an od who can prescribe glasses/contact and treat some medical eye conditions (depending on state law), but not do surgery on the eye.
Answered 12/9/2013
5.5k views
Surgery: Ophthalmologists can perform surgical procedures on the eye. Optometrists cannot perform any surgery in most states. Both can medically manage eye diseases and prescribe contacts/glasses.
Answered 4/14/2014
5.5k views
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