Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist and an optician?
This is a very common question in our offices. Any person seeking eye care should dedicate him or herself to finding out the differences.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eyes. This individual has attended medical school, followed by a residency (a study in a particular field of medicine) in ophthalmology. Some ophthalmologists complete optional further fellowship training in a subspecialty of ophthalmology. An ophthalmologist has extensive training, often totaling 15 years of education following high school.

Following his or her education, an ophthalmologist takes both written and oral examinations. When these exams are passed, the ophthalmologist is then called Board Certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

As ophthalmologists are medical doctors, in addition to performing complete eye examinations, the can perform surgical procedures and dispense medication. They are the most highly trained of the eye care professionals.

All ophthalmologists at Soll Eye Associates are both Board Certified and Fellowship trained.

An optometrist is an individual who has completed four years of optometry school, studying the eye and its treatments.

Optometrists, like ophthalmologists, offer complete eye exams, including testing for new glasses and contact lenses. However, as they are not medical doctors, they do not perform operations and can dispense only a limited number of medicines to patients, depending upon what state they practice in.

All optometrists must pass a qualifying examination in ordered to be certified by the American Board of Optometry.

All optometrists at Soll Eye Associates are Board Certified.

An optician dispenses glasses in an optical store. An optician makes the prescriptive lenses prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist and measures the patient’s eyes for the proper frames and lenses.

Opticians who complete qualifying examinations become certified by the American Board of Opticians.

All opticians at Soll Eye Associates are Board Certified.