What Kind of Eye Doctor is Best for Glendale Family Optometry?

Picking an Optometrist for Your Family

The first step to maintaining a life of clear vision is to find the perfect eye care provider. Your doctor should be somebody trustworthy that you and your family are comfortable visiting on a regular basis. Sometimes, finding the right person is simply a matter of asking around. Friends and family are great resources when searching for a great family optometrist in Glendale. However, you should find out what kind of doctor you are looking for before you start asking around.

Optometrist Vs. Ophthalmologist

There are two types of eye doctors that can provide great Glendale family optometry services. First, are the optometrists. An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (OD); they have completed at least three years of college and four years of optometry school. Optometrists can provide all kinds of procedures from eye exams to prescribing medication. Some more of these services include:

• Refractive error correction
• Providing glasses/contacts prescriptions
• Vision therapy
• Condition diagnosis
• Condition treatment

An Ophthalmologist is an eye M.D. They’re primary difference is the level of training received and what they can diagnose and treat. Ophthalmologists have completed college and at least eight years of medical training. While they are qualified to handle all of the functions of an optometrist, they aren’t always necessary for glasses fitting or eye exams. Many ophthalmologists specialize in surgery or a specific field of scientific research.

What Kind of Doctor Should I See?

If you have an existing condition that requires surgery or specialized care then you should contact an ophthalmologist. Otherwise, the choice is up to you. Both types of doctors are well qualified to provide Glendale family optometry services. If you encounter a problem that is beyond your doctors experience, they will likely be able to refer you to an expert in that field.