What is an Ophthalmologist?

Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.  As medical doctors, ophthalmologists are regulated by state medical boards.

Ophthalmologists undergo the following education and training, which includes extensive supervised training in eye surgery:

• 4 years:  Undergraduate (college)
• 4 years:  Medical school
• 1 year:  Internship (general medical training in a hospital setting)
• 3 years:  Residency (training in ophthalmology)
• 1 or 2 years:  Fellowship (further specialization in a specific area of ophthalmology such as the retina, cornea, etc.)

An optometrist receives a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and is licensed to practice optometry, not medicine. The practice of optometry traditionally involves examining the eye for the purpose of prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, eye examinations to detect certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases. Optometrists in Iowa are regulated by the Board of Optometry.

Optometrists undergo the following education and training, which includes no training in eye surgery:

• 4 years:  Undergraduate (college)
• 4 years:  Optometry school