EYE CARE

EYE CARE IN MONTANA

There are two main types of eye doctors: ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Ophthalmologist: Medical and Surgical Eye Care. They went to medical school. After that, they had a 1-year internship and a residency of 3 years. That's sometimes followed by a 1 to 2 years fellowship. They offer complete eye care services:

• Vision services, including eye exams
• Medical eye care -- for conditions like glaucoma, iritis, and chemical burns
• Surgical eye care -- for trauma, crossed eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and other problems
• Diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions related to other diseases, like diabetes or arthritis
• Plastic surgery -- to raise droopy eyelids or smooth out wrinkles

Optometrist (OD): Vision Care and Eye Care Services. Optometrists take care of primary health care for the eye. After college, they spent 4 years in a professional program and got a doctor of optometry degree. Some optometrists get additional clinical training or complete a specialty fellowship after optometry school. They focus on regular vision care and they:

• Perform eye exams and vision tests
• Treat conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
• Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses
• Provide low-vision aids and vision therapy
• Detects diseases, injuries, and disorders related to the eyes.

Optician: Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses. Opticians aren’t eye doctors and can’t give eye exams. They get a 1- or 2-year degree, certificate, or diploma. They fill the prescription your eye doctor gives you. They also:

• Check lens prescriptions
• Provide, adjust, and repair glasses, frames, and contact lenses
• Take facial measurements
• Help decide which type of lenses and frames will work best
• Order and check products, including contacts and eyeglass lenses
• Functional Medicine
• Hearing Specialist
• MRI CT Scans