The differences between an Ophthalmologist, an Optometrist and an Optician have to do with the level of training and expertise of each.  It is important so visit the right health care professional to make sure you properly care for your eyes. You’ll find all three types at Texas Regional Eye Center, so we can provide you with the finest eye care available.  If you’re not sure which you need, call us at (979) 774-0498 and we’ll help you.     

An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD), specializing in eye care and vision.  Ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye exams, diagnose and treat diseases of the eye and perform eye surgery.  Ophthalmologists complete at least eight years of medical training in addition to at least three years of college.  They can prescribe medications as well as write prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. 

An Optometrist is a doctor of optometry (OD), who provides primary eye care such as vision testing, and management of changes to vision (including eye glasses prescriptions, contact lens prescriptions, and detecting abnormalities in the eye).  An optometrist completes four years of optometry school in addition to at least three years of college.  An optometrist is not a medical doctor but can prescribe medications for certain eye diseases.     

Opticians are technicians who are trained to fit glasses and contact lenses.  They do not test your vision, write prescriptions, nor do they diagnose or treat eye diseases.  Their expertise is focused on making sure you have comfortable fitting, quality eyewear to help you see.