The team at Medical Eye Center in Columbia, MD, wants their patients to have access to the best possible eye care. One of the ways patients can be sure they’re receiving high-quality care is by seeking out a board-certified ophthalmologist.

Many people are unsure of the differences between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist. To help you better understand precisely what an ophthalmologist does, the team from Medical Eye Center is here to explain.

In order to become a board-certified ophthalmologist, one must complete the basic four years of college, four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and a residency in ophthalmology at a hospital. This is in contrast with other types of eye doctors, such as optometrists, who are not required to complete a residency.

Ultimately, the additional training and experience gathered through pursuing ophthalmology allows these eye doctors to treat specific eye problems better than an optometrist might be able to. While an ophthalmologist can certainly perform regular eye exams, they are also skilled in monitoring issues such as macular degeneration or glaucoma.

Additionally, most optometrists are not licensed or trained to perform eye surgery, whereas ophthalmologists can complete procedures such as eyelid or cataract surgery. So it’s a good idea to seek help from an ophthalmologist if you have special eye care needs.

For all your eye care needs, trust the team of certified ophthalmologists at Medical Eye Center in Columbia, MD. To schedule an appointment, call (410) 997-9900, or visit their website to learn more about the services they provide.