Eye Doctor
An eye doctor is a physician who specializes in vision health and the treatment of eyes. There are two main types of eye doctors: ophthalmologists, and optometrists. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who are trained in diseases of the eye, general eye health, and surgical eye treatments. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform routine eye examinations, prescribe medication, and diagnose and treat ocular diseases. Optometrists are also trained to perform routine eye examinations, as well as diagnose and treat ocular diseases, however, they are not trained to perform surgical procedures. Both types of eye doctors can prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Eye doctors require varying degrees of focused training. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and must hold a four-year medical degree, have completed at least one year of an internship, and have undergone at least three years of specialized eye and surgical training. Ophthalmologists must be licensed. Optometrists are required to hold a four-year degree as a Doctor of Optometry, and are also required be licensed. The vision health field has a current projected growth rate of about 14%.
Ophthalmologists typically earn much higher salaries than optometrists. The typical average salary of an experienced ophthalmologist is about $250,000 per year, while the average salary of an experienced optometrist is about $105,000 per year.
