When you have eye problems, you need to see a doctor in order to figure out the problem. You don't want to wait too long because the longer you wait, the worse any problems could be. When you go to make your appointment to get your eyes checked out, you have the option to see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Many people think that an optometrist and an ophthalmologist are interchangeable, but the fact is that while they cover many of the same things, they are different. So, what are the differences?

Optometrist

If you need to get your eyes checked because you need new glasses or contact lenses, then you would call up an optometrist to have your eyes checked out. They would also be the first person to see if you are having any kind of minor eye problems. That's because the optometrist will examine your eyes and can diagnose any problems that you might have. Your optometrist may also do some treatments for minor eye issues and provide after-care for any more complex surgical procedures you have to have done. 

Ophthalmologist

Your ophthalmologist is the doctor who will do more extensive treatments on any eye issues, as well as the doctor who will do any advanced surgical procedures on your eyes. If your optometrist diagnoses you with something like moderate glaucoma, they may refer you over to an ophthalmologist. That's because the ophthalmologist is going to be better equipped to treat your glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist may work with your optometrist to create a treatment plan for you.

The optometrist is in charge of regular checkups to monitor your eye problems to make sure that you aren't getting worse. They would send all of the information to your ophthalmologist so that everyone involved in your eye care knows what is going on and can appropriately treat any changes. You generally don't get in to see an ophthalmologist without getting a referral because they are the specialist. You need to see the primary care physician first, which is the optometrist. 

If you have problems with your eyes, you need to get them checked out and taken care of as soon as possible. You don't want to do anything that can jeopardize your sight. Check with a local optometrist and set up an appointment. They will tell you what is going on with your eyes and refer you to an ophthalmology center if necessary.