The eyes are a complex organ of the human body, so it makes sense there are multiple professions which handle eye care. Whether you need new glasses or eye surgery for a serious condition, you’ll need to see an expert who specializes in eye care. This may be an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, depending on your needs. 

Optometrist

Optometrists are not medical doctors. They receive four years of undergraduate education and four years of post-graduate education specializing in optometry, graduating with a doctorate of optometry (OD). They are primary vision care providers who can perform vision tests and prescribe corrective contacts and glasses. They can also detect eye abnormalities and diagnose and treat certain eye-related conditions, such as dry eye or infections.

Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye care and vision. An ophthalmologist can prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and medications for conditions like allergies, dry eye, and infections.

They can also perform eye surgery and diagnose a broad variety of diseases and conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts, and prescribe any necessary treatment or medication. Ophthalmologists complete four years of undergraduate and four years of medical school as well as a one-year internship and three-year minimum hospital residency. They then receive a degree as a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (OD) depending on their area of focus.

If you’re a Waukesha, WI, resident, turn to the eye care team at Medical Eye Associates, S.C. for high-quality, comprehensive vision and eye health services. These experienced, caring professionals provide everything from routine eye exams and prescription lenses to LASIK and treatment for issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Based in Mukwonago, they’ve served the community since 1939, earning a reputation as one of the area’s most trusted optometrist offices. Call (262) 363-5333 to speak with a friendly staff member or visit the website to learn more about the services they offer.