There are three types of eye doctors: optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. Heres a brief overview of each:

1. Optometrists: Optometrists are eye care professionals who provide primary eye care services, including vision testing, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosing and treating common eye conditions. They have a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and attend optometry school instead of medical school.

2. Ophthalmologists: Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathy (DOs) who specialize in diagnosing and treating all eye conditions, including performing eye surgeries. They offer complete eye care services, including vision services, medical eye care, and surgical eye care. They have attended medical school, completed a 1-year internship, a 3-year residency, and sometimes a 1 to 2-year fellowship.

3. Opticians: Opticians are eye care professionals who help patients choose the right eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision correction devices. They fill the prescription given by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and provide, adjust, and repair glasses, frames, and contact lenses. They have a 1- or 2-year degree, certificate, or diploma.

Its important to note that optometrists and ophthalmologists often work together to provide the best possible treatment for patients. Opticians are not eye doctors and cannot give eye exams or diagnose and treat eye conditions.