Living with an eye disease or condition can present many challenges. You may feel like a bother to others when you keep asking questions regarding things you cannot see clearly. Your life is also in danger when crossing roads if you cannot clearly see passing cars and trucks.
Some eye problems can be treated rather easily, and some are irreversible, but the real answer to your problem lies with an eye doctor in Inver Grove Heights MN. There are two main types of eye doctors you can see regarding your eye problem: ophthalmologists and optometrists.
Ophthalmologists
These eye doctors can give you complete eye care. They are qualified to carry out exams and treat eye diseases using both surgical and non-surgical means. Some of the sub-specialties in ophthalmology that deal with eye diseases include neuro-ophthalmology, ocular oncology, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, medical retina and refractive surgery. All these branches deal with specific eye problems. Ophthalmologists are also qualified to prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. They can practice alone or in company of other medical practitioners.
Qualifications of an Ophthalmologist
A qualified ophthalmologist in Inver Grove Heights MN goes through a medical school and four years of residency training. After completing education, he or she is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology or the American Board of Ophthalmology. Visiting an ophthalmologist in Charlottesville VA can help you treat an array of eye diseases and conditions to keep your eyes healthy with their full vision examinations.
Optometrists
Optometrists are not classified as physicians, but have medical training. They concentrate on regular eye care practice, and they can diagnose and treat some eye diseases. They also perform some eye surgeries such as laser surgery.
Qualifications of an optometrist
A qualified optometrist must complete undergraduate studies for four years and a postgraduate degree program, also for four years. After finishing a postgraduate degree, he earns the O.D (Doctor of Optometry) title. Sub-specialties in optometry include vision screening, vision perception, ocular diseases, ophthalmic optics and ocular anatomy. An optometrist is then certified after passing a national examination set by The National Board of Examiners in Optometry.
It is important to check that an eye doctor in Inver Grove Heights MN is qualified to perform any kind of eye treatment. Ask for his academic credentials, as well as referrals from patients he has treated before. Call his former clients when possible and ask about their experiences with the eye doctor.