Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 13, 1990 TAG: 9003132951
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
\ An ophthalmologist is a licensed medical doctor with specialized training in eye care.
Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye diseases and perform eye examinations and surgery. Some ophthalmologists have optical shops, but these shops must be operated by independent opticians who do not work directly for the doctor.
\ An optometrist is not a medical doctor but is trained in optometry school to perform routine eye exams and prescribe glasses.
Optometrists can use drugs to test vision and diagnose eye diseases.
The Virginia General Assembly recently gave optometrists the authority to use some therapeutic drugs; however, regulations for the use of therapeutic drugs by optometrists must first be promulgated by the Virginia Board of Medicine, said Cathy Walker Green, executive director of the Board of Optometry. The new regulations will be published later this year.
Until then, optometrists must make referrals to ophthalmologists when therapeutic drugs are required.
Optometrists can offer eye exams and operate their own optical shops under the same roof.
\ An optician is much like a pharmacist: He or she fills prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists.
An optician can't diagnose or treat eye problems, but he or she can grind and sell prescribed corrective lenses.
\ Note: When you have an eye exam with either an ophthalmologist or optometrist, by Virginia law, you cannot be required to have your prescription filled at the shop associated with the practice.
Ophthalmologist and optometrist disagree on when it is best to consult either professional.
Ophthalmologists say it is best to consult them for an initial exam or when a disease is suspected.
Optometrists say a patient is equally well-off in consulting them, because they can make a diagnosis and, if necessary, refer a patient to an ophthalmologist for therapeutic drugs or surgery.
by CNB