When scheduling an eye exam in Tennessee, you’ll often see two professional titles: Optometrist (O.D.) and Ophthalmologist (M.D. or D.O.). While both play essential roles in protecting your vision, their training, responsibilities, and specialties differ. Knowing who does what helps you choose the right doctor, especially if you need cataract treatment in Tennessee, help managing different types of glaucoma, or guidance from a glaucoma specialist.
At Tennessee Eye Care, our clinics in Knoxville, Harriman, Lenoir City, Morristown, and Powell bring together both Optometrists and Ophthalmologists to offer complete, convenient care. Here are the seven key differences between these two eye care professionals.
Training is the most fundamental distinction between O.D.s and M.D.s.
Optometrist (O.D.)
Completes four years of optometry school after college. Training focuses on vision correction, eye exams, and the diagnosis and management of most eye conditions.
Ophthalmologist (M.D. or D.O.)
Completes four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and a three-year residency specializing in eye disease and surgery. They receive extensive medical and surgical training.
Optometrists and Ophthalmologists overlap in several areas, but surgery sets them apart.
Optometrist
Provides routine eye exams in Tennessee, prescribes glasses and contacts, and diagnoses and treats many eye diseases with medication.
Ophthalmologist
Does everything an Optometrist does plus performs surgery, including cataract treatment in Tennessee, retinal procedures, and laser eye surgery.
Both doctors can treat glaucoma, but their involvement depends on the severity.
Optometrist
Often manages early or common forms of glaucoma using medicated eye drops and routine monitoring.
Ophthalmologist / Glaucoma Specialist
Manages advanced, complex, or rapidly progressing glaucoma. They perform laser treatments and incisional surgeries. A fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist in Tennessee has additional years of specialized training.
Only Ophthalmologists perform surgery. If your Optometrist determines you need cataract treatment, retinal repair, or laser glaucoma treatment, you will be referred to an Ophthalmologist for surgical care.
Both professionals prescribe medications, but their authority varies.
Optometrist
Prescribes medications for eye conditions such as infections, inflammation, allergies, and common types of glaucoma.
Ophthalmologist
Can prescribe all eye medications and can also treat systemic conditions that affect the eyes because they are medical doctors.
An Optometrist is your primary provider for routine vision and eye care.
You should see an O.D. for:
An Ophthalmologist is the right choice for complex, chronic, or surgical eye conditions.
You should see an M.D. for:
Both Optometrists and Ophthalmologists play important roles in your overall eye care. Optometrists handle most routine exams, prescriptions, and common conditions, while Ophthalmologists manage advanced diseases and perform surgery. If you are dealing with cataracts, complex eye conditions, or the different types of glaucoma, partnering with an Ophthalmologist or glaucoma specialist in Tennessee ensures you receive the highest level of expert care. Contact us today!
No. Only an Ophthalmologist (M.D. or D.O.) is licensed to perform surgical procedures, including cataract treatment and laser eye surgery in Tennessee.
Often, yes. Many patients with glaucoma see an Optometrist for routine checkups while a glaucoma specialist in Tennessee (an Ophthalmologist) manages advanced care or performs surgery if needed.
An Optometrist is the best choice for vision testing, refraction, and prescribing glasses or contact lenses.
