An eye doctor is called an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or optician, depending on their level of training and expertise. Here is a brief summary of each type of eye doctor:

• Ophthalmologist: A medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions, perform eye surgery, and prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. They have completed college and at least eight years of additional medical training.

• Optometrist: A healthcare professional who provides primary vision care ranging from vision testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. They are not medical doctors, but they receive a doctor of optometry (OD) degree after completing 2 to 4 years of college-level education, followed by four years of optometry school.

• Optician: A technician trained to design, verify, and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight. They use prescriptions supplied by ophthalmologists or optometrists, but do not test vision or write prescriptions for visual correction. They are not eye doctors, and they get a 1- or 2-year degree, certificate, or diploma.

Its important to choose the right type of eye doctor for your needs. Optometrists and ophthalmologists often work together to provide the best possible treatment, and opticians fill prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists and help patients choose and fit eyeglass frames.