Taking care of your eyes is essential for overall health and well-being. At Traverse City Eye, we understand the importance of having qualified professionals to meet all your eye care needs. You might be wondering about the different types of eye doctors and what their qualifications mean. Specifically, you might have heard the term “Od Doctor” and are curious to understand what it signifies. Let’s clarify the role of an OD, or Doctor of Optometry, and how they contribute to your vision health.
Decoding Eye Doctor Designations: OD, MD, and DO
When it comes to eye care, you’ll encounter various designations after a doctor’s name, such as OD, MD, and DO. It’s helpful to understand what these abbreviations represent and the different scopes of practice they indicate. While all are dedicated to patient care, their training and areas of specialization differ.
Doctor of Optometry (OD): Your Primary Eye Care Physician
An OD, or Doctor of Optometry, is a primary health care professional specializing in eye health. Becoming an optometrist requires significant education and training. After completing a four-year undergraduate degree, aspiring ODs undertake a further four years at a specialized school of optometry. This rigorous program focuses intensely on the eye and visual system.
ODs are experts in conducting comprehensive eye exams, prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, and diagnosing and managing various eye conditions. They are also trained in fitting different types of contact lenses, including specialty lenses, and providing low vision services. Think of your OD as your go-to doctor for routine eye check-ups and vision correction.
Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Ophthalmologists
MD stands for Medical Doctor, and DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both MDs and DOs can become ophthalmologists, who are medical and surgical specialists. The path to becoming an ophthalmologist is extensive and similar for both MDs and DOs:
- Four years of undergraduate study to earn a Bachelor’s degree.
- Four years of medical school, encompassing two years of classroom learning and two years of clinical rotations across medical specialties.
- A one-year general medicine internship.
- Three to four years of residency focused on ophthalmology, providing in-depth surgical and medical training related to the eye.
The curriculum and qualifying exams for MDs and DOs are very similar. Ophthalmologists (MDs and DOs) are equipped to provide comprehensive eye care, including medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. You often see an ophthalmologist for conditions requiring medical or surgical intervention, such as cataracts or glaucoma.
OD Doctor vs. Ophthalmologist: When to Seek Which Type of Care
Understanding when to see an OD versus an ophthalmologist can ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your needs. Generally, you would see an OD for:
- Routine eye exams and vision tests.
- Prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
- Management of common eye conditions like dry eye, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and computer vision syndrome.
- Pre- and post-operative care for cataract surgery and other eye surgeries.
You would typically consult an ophthalmologist (MD or DO) for:
- Surgical procedures, such as cataract surgery, LASIK, and glaucoma surgery.
- Management of complex eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and advanced glaucoma.
- Eye injuries or emergencies.
Often, ODs and ophthalmologists work together to provide comprehensive care for patients. Your OD might refer you to an ophthalmologist for surgical procedures or specialized medical treatments, and then continue to manage your ongoing eye care needs.
What to Expect During Your Eye Exam
Regardless of whether you are seeing an OD or an ophthalmologist, some aspects of your eye exam will be similar. During your visit, your eye doctor might ask about your vision history, any eye symptoms you are experiencing, and your overall health.
It’s common to have multiple appointments when you are being fitted for contact lenses, especially when trying new types. This ensures the lenses are comfortable and provide optimal vision correction. You might also be asked if you are interested in updating your glasses prescription. If you are happy with your current vision and do not want a new glasses prescription, a refraction (the part of the exam that determines your prescription) will not be performed, and you won’t be charged for it. If you do choose to have a refraction for a new glasses prescription, this may be billed through your vision insurance if applicable.
At Traverse City Eye, our team includes both optometrists (ODs) and ophthalmologists (MD/DOs) to provide a full spectrum of eye care services. Whether you need a routine eye exam or are seeking treatment for a medical eye condition, we are here to help you achieve and maintain healthy vision.
