Seeing an eye doctor is good. Seeing the right one is even better. Visual acuity can degenerate overtime. Some unfortunate individuals even lose their sense of sight. Consulting the right eye doctor is vital; as such professionals can aid you in taking care of your eyesight for life. To get the point across, try closing both your eyes. Now, imagine living like this forever. Not nice, right? Before choosing an eye doctor, one first needs to understand the difference between the two kinds of eye doctors: The optometrist and ophthalmologist.

All certified optometrists have degrees in optometry. These professionals are qualified to check their patient's eyes for any problems concerning visual acuity. Before becoming a doctor of optometry, an aspirant must complete a four year collegiate degree, followed by another four year post graduate degree, and training at an optometry school. Optometrists can prescribe glasses and lenses to correct all refractive errors. In addition, optometrists can also provide vision therapy and also low vision care. Optometrists can also prescribe medications for eye problems.

Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are osteopathic or medical doctors. These doctors focus on all things related to the eyes and vision. They are qualified to diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform eye surgery and visual exams, and also prescribe medication. In addition to a collegiate degree, ophthalmologists need to study another four years in medical school, undergo a year of internship, and at least three years of residency at a hospital.

Now that you know the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists, you should understand the work of opticians. Opticians are people who can fit and sell eyewear. They base their eyeglass fittings on prescriptions issued by eye doctors. While an optician is not an eye doctor Portland residents can consult, they can still create lenses and eyeglasses for their clients.

Consulting an ophthalmologist every year for a comprehensive eye exam is essential. In addition, comprehensive eye exams by ophthalmologists are usually covered by medical insurance. When performed by optometrists, eye exams are usually not covered by medical insurance, unless you have special vision care insurance. If you are experiencing problems with your vision, then you should consider consulting an eye doctor Portland residents' recommend.

However, if you only need an update on your eyeglass prescription, optometrists can do that for you at an affordable cost. Selling prescription glasses and contact lenses is the main source of income for optometrists. However, keep in mind that your friendly neighborhood optometrist is still a qualified eye doctor Portland OR residents' respect. When your vision is less than 20/20, these professionals can help you regain your visual acuity.