Q. Is there a difference between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist? 

A.  Yes, there is! 

Ophthalmologists (MDs)  and doctors of osteopathy (DOs) are the medical doctors on the eye care team. They are trained to deliver total eye care, including surgery, advanced care and prescribing contacts and glasses. Ophthalmologists have four years of medical school, followed by four years of residency and a lifetime of continuing education and refinement.

An ophthalmologist is a physician (Doctor of Medicine [M.D.] or Doctor of Osteopathy [D. O.]), who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system, and in the prevention of eye disease and injury. An ophthalmologist has completed four (4) or more years of college premedical education, four (4) or more years of medical school, one (1) year minimum of internship, and three (3) or more years of specialized medical, surgical, and refractive training and experience in eye care. An ophthalmologist is a specialist who is qualified by lengthy medical education, training, and experience to diagnose, treat and manage all eye and visual systems, and is licensed by a state regulatory board to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist is a medically trained specialist who can deliver total eye care: primary, secondary, and tertiary (i.e., vision services, contact lenses, eye examinations, medical eye care, and surgical eye care), diagnose general diseases of the body, and treat ocular manifestations of systemic disease.

Optometrists examine the eye to diagnose vision problems and abnormalities and prescribe contact lenses and glasses. Optometrists earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree (Different from DO degree) after attending four years of optometry school, but optometrists are not medical doctors. Opticians dispense and fit contact lenses and glasses. Opticians have earned either an associate opticianry degree or apprenticed for two years.

An optometrist is a health service provider who is involved exclusively with vision problems. Optometrists are specifically educated and trained by an accredited optometry college in a four year course, but have not received a medical degree. They are state licensed to examine the eyes and determine the presence of vision problems. Optometrists determine visual acuity and prescribe spectacles, contact lenses, and eye exercises. Optometrists may perform all services listed under the definition of an optician in their respective states. (Definition of optometrists from Medem Web Site.)

For specific information on optometry scope of practice in Tennessee, refer to the Tennessee Code Annotated, Official Edition, Book 11, Titles 63, 64.