Do you look at optometrists as doctors?
It is true that an optometrist is a doctor of optometry, just as a dentist is a doctor of dentistry and a chiropractor is a doctor of chiropractic. HOWEVER......none of the above are considered PHYSICIANS. A physician is a doctor of medicine, hence the abbreviation MD. Someone who is a MEDICAL DOCTOR and has a specialty in the science of the eyes is an opthalmologist, not an optometrist. A lot more schooling is required to become an opthalmologist than an optometrist. In other words, an optometrist is not a medical doctor. And an optometrist cannot write a prescription for medication but an opthalmologist can. So although you say that optometrists can treat eye diseases, their ability to do so is definitely more finite than the ability of an opthalmologist's would be. And then of course to make matters even a little MORE confusing for some people, there is also the term OPTICIAN. Some opticians also perform eye tests, but not the complete testing that an optometrist would perform. However, your question about respect really should have nothing to do with whether or not an optometrist is a doctor or not. Everyone deserves to be respected, regardless of their profession.
Who gets paid more a gp(doctor) or optician or dentist?
If you are considering an occupation strictly related to monetary gains, your heart may not be in it and your patients will indeed suffer. Patients deserve a health care provider who has a passion for their profession. Find your passion and that will be your bliss! If you continue to gravitate to health care, you can look up Bureau of Labor Statistics under Occupation Outlook Handbook to review wages and required education for various occupations. http://www.bls.gov/oco/
We have opticians and dentists. What about our ears?
ENT, ear, nose and throat doctor
Can Optometrists be called doctors?
Not in India.I have read the previous answers and came to know that optometrists have a doctorate in different parts of the world. I did some research as I did not have a thorough knowledge till this question came across me though I worked along a few optometrists while in medical school. This is my answer from an Indian perspective.In India optometrists have to study for a period of 2 or 4 years, depending on the choice of the student and in the end they are awarded a degree or a diploma in this field and not a Doctorate and so they are not called or referred to as doctors in India.They can have a private practice or can associate themselves with an Ophthalmologist and check for refractive errors, examine the eyes and they can only prescribe appropriate lens or glasses. They can also provide rehabilitation in case of people with vision loss and provide appropriate visual aids and can also counsel people regarding this.They can also diagnose or detect medical conditions associated with eyes but they can’t prescribe medicines or treat them themselves. They have to refer such cases to the Ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.
What’s the difference between an eye check-up by an opthalmologist (eye doctor) and an optometrist? I’m getting a discounted rate at the optimetrist for an eyeglass prescription. Which is better?
From my experience with both optometrists (ODs) and ophthalmologists (MDs), the main difference is that ophthalmologists are trained in diseases and surgery of the eye, and ODs specialize in the science of vision.An optometrist will check for a variety of conditions, determine whether the patient has refractive error (sphere and cylinder), or needs prism, low vision aids, vision therapy for convergence/divergence, or other correction.My ophthalmologist is a fabulous MD, but his ability to complete a meaningful refraction leaves much to be desired. Most ophthalmologists hire techs to do refraction, which too often results in an inadequate exam. No matter how much training a tech might have, a real optometrist does a far more thorough exam than the tech.Unless there is some other serious physical issue, like cataracts or retinal detachment, there is no real need to see an MD. Nowadays, the vast majority of experienced ODs treat most of the usual complaints such as dry eye syndrome, post refractive surgery issues, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Can you go to the eye doctor if you don't have health insurance?
If you simply want a prescription for glasses, that can be relatively inexpensive. But shop around. You might get a “free” eye exam from a Doctor of Optometry if you buy a pair of the store’s (expensive) glasses. Check prices before having the eye exam!Many lens prescriptions can be filled inexpensively by online stores. The quality of the optics may vary.***A Doctor of Optometry (OD) does not require full medical licence. An Ophthalmologist is a fully licenced Medical Doctor (MD) who did additional studies to specialize in the eye.If you need an MD who specializes in the eye, that is very expensive without health insurance.Good Luck!*** I am a physicist’s daughter. High quality optics are important to the quality of our vision and the strain we put on our eyes.
I went to two different eye doctors and both gave me very different prescriptions for glasses? Why could this be?
Thank you for requesting my answer to your questions: “ I went to two different eye doctors and both gave me very different prescriptions for glasses? Why could this be?”Adding to this question, a measurement of vision is not a purely physical measurement. It is also psychophysical measurement. The patient is asked “which is better” . The examiner tries to construct the flow of questions that seems to be consistent enough for a lens prescription.Lastly, two lens prescriptions can be statistically different, but are they clinically different ? Not sure here since I don't see the numbers.Pardon my typographical, spelling, and punctuation as i am using speech-to-text software. Please remember that what I write here is not medical, legal or financial advice. See a qualified professional for your particular concern. This is not a solicitation.
Difference between optician, optometrist, orthoptist and opthamologist?
Optician - A dispensing optician fits eyeglasses and, in some states, contact lenses. They analyze and interpret prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists to determine which eyeglasses or contact lenses are best suited to the patient's lifestyle and visual needs. Optometrist- An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (O.D.), rather than a medical doctor. The optometrist is licensed to conduct eye exams, prescribe corrective contact lenses and glasses, and diagnose and treat eye disease. He or she will work through various vision therapies to treat abnormalities, and can prescribe drugs for the eyes. The optometrist specializes in the kind of care required for routine eye exams and noninvasive therapies and treatments for eye disease. Orthoptist- Orthoptics is an ophthalmic field pertaining to the evaluation and treatment of patients with disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision and eye movements. Orthoptists are uniquely skilled in diagnostic techniques. Orthoptists commonly work in pediatric ophthalmology settings. Orthoptists serve patients of all ages, but because of the nature of many binocular disorders, the majority of patients are children. Ophthalmologist- An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system and in the prevention of eye disease and injury. They provide a full spectrum of care including routine eye exams, diagnosis and medical treatment of eye disorders and diseases, prescriptions for eyeglasses, surgery, and management of eye problems that are caused by systemic illnesses. Ophthalmologists can be medical doctors (M.D.) or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.).
Why won't opticians fit new lenses into old glasses frames? I've asked on a couple of occasions and they've never given me a straight answer.
The cynical reason is that they want to sell you a new frame.A reputable optician should reglaze a frame if that's what you really want. Provided that the frame is suitable.However, there are other reasons you may wish to consider. These occur all the time in optical practice:Have you got another pair to wear while one frame goes away? If not, you need another pair.Have you got a spare pair anyway? If you need your glasses for everyday life, then you need a spare pair. Your existing pair may be a good spare if you buy some new ones.It often costs more to an optician to send in your frame, because they can get a “package price” from the factory on a complete new pair. A reputable optician will pass this on. But they don't get this price when they send in a frame the factory has never seen. The frame has to be registered, insured, dismantled, then a former has to be made to get the lens the right shape. So it's more expensive. The same optician who passes on the package price will also have to pass on the full price of the reglaze.What happens if your frame breaks in the stress of having new lenses fitted? (It often happens.) Are you going to be responsible, or will you want the optician to pay? If so, they won't want to do reglazes.How many years of life does your frame have? If you put expensive lenses which you expect to last four years into a frame which will break in only one year, then you have to throw away the lenses, you are not going to be pleased. And frame spare parts get less available the older it is.An old pair will stay in good condition if put in a car glove box as an emergency pair, but if you keep wearing it till it breaks, you don't have that possibility.