When first searching out a medical professional for eye care, patients can be confused by the differences among opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. As part of the on-going efforts to educate clients on all aspects of eye health, Dr. Beth R. Friedland of Park Ophthalmology in the Triangle area provides a quick introduction to the field of eye care. Her brief tutorial below will help Raleigh-Durham patients understand what kind of eye care professional they need to contact for their specific eye care needs:
The three types of vision care professionals:
- Opticians: Opticians are professionals who make or sell glasses and contact lenses, for the purpose of correcting vision defects using the prescriptions of ophthalmologists and optometrists. They can check the fit of eyeglasses, help clients decide on the best frames and lenses, and check products to make sure an order has been filled correctly. They also can repair and adjust glasses. Those in need of corrective lenses need to first have an exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- Optometrists: Unlike ophthalmologists such as Dr. Friedland, optometrists are not physicians. However, they have completed bachelor’s degrees and then received an additional four years of education to obtain a Doctor of Optometry degree. They perform eye examinations, write prescriptions for corrective lenses, diagnosis eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts, and can prescribe medications for eye conditions.
- Ophthalmologists: Ophthalmologists have graduated from medical school, plus completed internships and residencies. In addition to conducting eye exams and prescribing corrective lenses, ophthalmologists also provide medical treatment for conditions such as glaucoma, eye injuries and infections. They perform surgery for eye problems that include cataracts, crossed eyes and glaucoma. Some ophthalmologists also offer plastic surgery for smoothing wrinkles around the eyes or for drooping eyelids.
Because of her extensive medical training, Beth R. Friedland MD can provide a complete range of eye health services. The friendly staff at Park Ophthalmology is always ready to answer questions about the services provided by Dr. Friedland.
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Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!
This article about the vision care is brought to you by the professional team at Park Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.
The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.
Locations:
5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)
Durham, NC 27713
Office: 919 544 5375
Fax: 919 544 5829
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Park Ophthalmology North
6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105
Raleigh, NC 27615
919 846 6915
Office Manager Jenny Whitman, e-mail: jenny.brfeyecare@ncrrbiz.com.
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