Picture 1. Eye doctor - optometrist

An optometrist is an eye doctor (has OD degree, but has not a medical school education and is not a physician) who examines eyes for refractive errors and other non-surgical disorders, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and may participate in pre- or post-operative care if you have eye surgery. In US, optometrists have to complete 4 year bachelors degree and 4-year program to achieve a Doctorate in Optometry (O.D.).

Picture 2. Eye doctor - ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor (has MD = Medicinae Doctor = doctoral degree for physicians) who diagnoses eye diseases and treats them by medications or surgery. He/she may also prescribe glasses or disposable contact lenses. In the US, ophthalmologists, after a 4-year bachelor degree, have to complete medical school for 4 years of medical training to obtain an MD degree, and then additional 4-5 years of residency training.

Picture 3. Optician (not an eye doctor)

An optician is not a doctor. He/she sells eyeglasses and (if certified) contact lenses by optometrist’s or ophthalmologist’s prescription.