There are countless eye doctors that you could see in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Miami, Palm Beach, Davie, and the surrounding areas, but when you need specific procedures done with your eyes you can only see an ophthalmologist. At SightTrust Eye Institute we have an experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist in Dr. Shatz who has performed tens of thousands of eye surgeries for patients over many years. Along with his extensive record of surgeries, he is also called upon for consultation with other colleagues and lectures as well. When you are needing eye surgery, not all eye doctors are the same, and you will need an ophthalmologist to perform that surgery. Contact us today to learn more about our facility and Dr. Shatz.
What is The Difference in Eye Doctors?
When you go to the eye doctor, oftentimes you will be seeing an optometrist. Optometrists are not medical doctors but they do receive a doctor of optometry (OD) degree after roughly eight years of college and optometry school. These eye doctors are the primary eye care professionals that provide vision tests as well as correction for vision changes. They can also diagnose eye diseases and prescribe medications in some states, as well as to detect eye abnormalities.
You may also encounter an optician. These specialists are trained in eyeglass fit and design for lenses and frames, contact lenses, as well as other vision correction devices that are prescribed by either an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They do not test vision or write any prescriptions, nor are they trained for diagnosing or treating eye diseases.
Ophthalmologists are the only eye doctors that can perform eye surgery, and they can also diagnose and treat a wider range of eye conditions than optometrists are able to. Ophthalmologists are also medical doctors and as such, they can also recognize other health problems that aren’t related to the eye and refer patients to other doctors for treatment.
Not All Ophthalmologists Are the Same
Just like other doctors, having a good rapport with your ophthalmologist can be critical to getting the best treatment and outcomes for your eye issues. Be sure to ask questions of your ophthalmologist so that you get the answers that you need to make an informed decision. And don’t be afraid to ask others who have had surgeries done by a particular ophthalmologist to see how their results were and if they recommend the doctor. SightTrust Eye Institute has been working with patients in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Miami, Palm Beach, Davie, and the surrounding areas for many years, and their ophthalmologist Dr. Shatz has performed thousands of procedures. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
