The term eye doctor can refer to an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, or an optician. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors. They diagnose and treat eye diseases and perform surgery. Optometrists give vision exams, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and manage common eye problems that do not need surgery. Opticians fit and adjust glasses or contact lenses according to your prescription. They do not diagnose or treat eye health problems. Knowing the difference between these providers can help you choose the right care for your eyes.

Most people use the term eye doctor to mean either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has received specialized training in the care of the eyes. They study the structure, function, and diseases of the eye in depth. Ophthalmologists can diagnose complex eye conditions and perform a wide range of eye surgeries.

Ophthalmologists provide:

Only ophthalmologists are qualified to perform all types of eye surgery.

Optometrists hold a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. While they are not medical doctors, they are highly trained in vision care. Optometrists can diagnose and manage many common eye and vision problems, and they play an important role in routine eye health.

Optometrists provide:

Most people see an optometrist first for routine eye care needs.

Opticians are professionals who are trained to fit and adjust glasses and contact lenses. They help you choose lenses that match your prescription and ensure your eyewear fits comfortably. Opticians do not diagnose or treat any eye health conditions.

Opticians assist with:

Opticians fill and adjust prescriptions from ophthalmologists or optometrists.

Each type of eye care professional follows a different training path, which determines what they are qualified to do in their practice. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right specialist for your specific eye care needs.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors. Their training is the most extensive and includes:

Because of their extensive medical and surgical training, ophthalmologists are the only eye care providers who can diagnose complex eye diseases, prescribe advanced treatments, and perform surgery.

Optometrists take a different route. Their path typically includes:

Optometrists are trained to assess vision, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, detect early signs of eye disease, and manage many eye conditions that do not require surgery.

Opticians focus on eyewear. Their training usually involves:

Opticians do not diagnose or treat medical eye problems. Their main role is to help people find comfortable eyewear that fits properly and matches their prescription.

Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye diseases and perform surgery when needed. Optometrists provide vision exams and manage non-surgical eye care. Opticians ensure that your glasses or contact lenses fit properly and are comfortable for you to wear.

You should see an ophthalmologist for:

Optometrists are ideal for:

During routine eye exams, optometrists can detect early signs of eye disease. If you require specialized treatment or surgery, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist for further care.

Opticians help when you need:

The type of eye care professional you should see depends on your individual needs and the symptoms you are experiencing.

You want glasses or contacts.

You need a routine vision test.

You have mild dryness or irritation.

You need a prescription update.

You have eye disease.

You may need surgery.

You have sudden vision changes.

You experience eye pain, flashes, or floaters.

You need help fitting, adjusting, or repairing eyewear.

Eye care is not the same for everyone. While all ophthalmologists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye diseases, many choose to specialize further by focusing on a specific part of the eye or a particular group of conditions. These specialists complete additional years of fellowship training and gain experience by working with these conditions every day.

For patients, this means that complex or unusual eye conditions can be managed by a doctor with advanced, highly focused expertise.

Below are the most common ophthalmology subspecialties and what each one does.

A retina specialist treats diseases that affect the back of the eye—the retina and macula. These structures are responsible for sharp, detailed vision.

You may be referred to a retina specialist if you have:

diabetic eye disease

retinal tears or detachments

flashing lights or new floaters

These doctors use high-resolution imaging and delicate microsurgery to protect vision. They are often involved when urgent care is needed.

A cornea specialist focuses on the clear, front layer of the eye. When this surface becomes distorted, scarred, or infected, it can cause pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.

They commonly treat:

keratoconus

corneal infections

corneal scarring

complications from contact lenses

Cornea specialists also perform corneal transplants and other advanced procedures to help restore clear vision and comfort to the eye.

Glaucoma specialists manage diseases that damage the optic nerve, often related to elevated eye pressure. These conditions usually develop slowly and require long-term monitoring.

A glaucoma specialist may provide:

laser treatments

pressure-lowering eye drops

minimally invasive glaucoma surgery

Traditional glaucoma surgery for advanced cases

The main goal of glaucoma specialists is to slow or stop the progression of the disease and help preserve your remaining vision.

Children’s eyes are still growing and developing, so they need a doctor who understands how vision changes in early life. Pediatric ophthalmologists diagnose and treat childhood eye conditions such as:

strabismus (eye misalignment)

amblyopia (lazy eye)

congenital cataracts

developmental or genetic eye problems

Pediatric ophthalmologists use exam methods that are comfortable for children and often work closely with families throughout a child’s development.

Some vision problems are not caused by the eye itself, but by the brain or the nerves connecting the eye to the brain. Neuro-ophthalmologists specialize in these complex conditions.

They evaluate issues involving:

optic nerve damage

visual field loss

unexplained vision changes

neurological conditions affecting eyesight

Neuro-ophthalmologists often work with neurologists to identify the cause of vision problems and develop the best treatment plan.

Oculoplastic surgeons focus on the structures around the eye—eyelids, tear ducts, and the orbit (eye socket). They perform both medical and cosmetic procedures, including:

correcting droopy eyelids

repairing eyelid injuries

removing tumors near the eye

Treating blocked tear ducts

Reconstructive eyelid surgery

Oculoplastic surgeons combine surgical skill with a detailed understanding of the structures around the eye.

Some eye conditions require very specific expertise. Seeing the right subspecialist can lead to:

If your optometrist or general ophthalmologist finds a condition that requires more specialized care, they will refer you to the subspecialist best equipped to treat your specific problem.

Choosing the right eye doctor depends on your symptoms, your age, and whether you need routine vision care or treatment for a specific medical condition. Since eye care providers offer different services, considering a few key factors can help you decide where to start.

Blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, trouble reading → Start with an optometrist

Eye pain, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters → See an ophthalmologist immediately.

Babies, toddlers, and school-aged children often benefit from seeing a pediatric eye specialist who understands how vision develops in young people.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma, or have been diagnosed with an eye disease in the past, you may need to see an ophthalmologist for more frequent eye exams.

Conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, or retinal diseases require the care of an ophthalmologist.

If surgery is needed or even suspected, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are the only eye doctors who are trained to perform surgical procedures.

If you’re unsure, start with an optometrist.

Optometrists can perform a complete eye exam, detect early signs of disease, and write prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. If you need advanced treatment or surgery, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist. For most people, starting with an optometrist is a simple and cost-effective way to begin eye care.

 

An eye doctor may be an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat eye diseases and perform surgery. Optometrists provide eye exams and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. Opticians are trained to fit and adjust eyewear based on your prescription.

 

Choosing the right eye care professional depends on your needs. Whether you need a vision check, treatment for an eye problem, or assistance with your glasses or contact lenses, understanding who to see can help you get the best possible care for your eyes.