Ophthalmologist VS Retina Specialist: Why You Should Choose the Right Eye Care Professional?
When it is time to get your eye checked, it is easy to feel overwhelmed since you are unsure what the eye examination will reveal. It is not only one thing that makes you feel worried, but you should also choose the right eye care professional.
There are subspecialists for specific eye conditions with different levels of training and expertise, and each plays a role in maintaining your eye health.
a) Ophthalmologist
b) Optometrist
c) Optician
Let us understand the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist.
What is An Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist is a highly skilled Allopathic or osteopathy-trained physician who has experience in diagnosing and treating eye and vision conditions.
Ophthalmologist Qualification:
It typically takes 12 years of post-secondary education and training to become a board-certified ophthalmologist. This includes completing a bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school, and a four-year ophthalmology residency. Ophthalmologists must complete all of these steps to be eligible for certification.
Ophthalmologists are highly trained medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. They play a vital role in vision health and provide many services, such as:
a) eye exams
b) vision evaluations
c) eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions
d) eye surgery
e) vision therapy
Ophthalmologists can complete additional training in subspecialty areas, such as retina, glaucoma, cornea, pediatrics, neurology, oculoplastic surgery, and others. This training is called a fellowship.
What is a Retina Specialist?
A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who has completed additional training to focus on diseases and conditions related to the vitreous and retina of both adults and children. If an optometrist or ophthalmologist detects a potential problem during a comprehensive eye exam, they will likely refer the patient to a retina specialist for further evaluation.
Retina specialists use sophisticated equipment and testing procedures to diagnose retinal conditions. They also perform a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments, such as eye injections and retinal surgery. It’s important to keep in mind that there are different types of retina specialists, some providing only medical care, while others have both medical and surgical training.
At Austin Retina, our doctors have special training from renowned institutions in both medical and surgical retinas.
The retina is susceptible to numerous serious conditions and injuries, including:
a) Retinal tear and detachment
b) Diabetic retinopathy
c) Age-related macular degeneration
d) Diabetic eye disease
e) Choroidal melanoma
f) Macular hole
g) Retinal vein occlusion
h) Epiretinal membrane (macular puckers)
i) Retinopathy of prematurity
J) Uveitis
If you think you might have a retinal condition, or if you need treatment, please contact the eye doctor Joliet. You can call us at 📞 (815)714–9115 or request an appointment online.
