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+ Larger Font / - Smaller Font What is the difference between an optician, optometrist, and an ophthalmologist? What is a retinal Specialist? How do I schedule an appointment with the retinal specialist for my eye condition? What is the difference between LASIK and Laser surgery? What is a cataract? 1. What is the difference between an optician, optometrist, and ophthalmologist? All three health professions have a role in the care of eyes. An optician (dispensing) is the profession of fitting eyeglass and contact prescriptions. Opticians must carefully take exact measurements to ensure a proper fit. Optometrists have a Doctor of Optometry degree, OD. They diagnose vision problems and eye diseases, test patient's visual acuity, depth and color perception, and ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation (U.S. Departmentment of Labor: www.bls.gov). Ophthalmologist are physicians with a Doctor of Medicine, M.D., or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, D.O., degree. They diagnose illnesses and prescribe and administer treatment with injury or diseases of the eye (U.S. Department of Labor: www.bls.gov). Back 2. What is a retinal specialist? A retinal specialist is an ophthalmologist who has extensive training in diagnosing and treatment (including surgery) of retina conditions and diseases. Back 3. How do I go about scheduling an appointment with the retina specialist for my eye condition? We accept self or other provider referrals. You simply call the front office receptionist at 325-673-9806 or 800-810-7411 to schedule an appointment. Some insurances, such as HMOs, require a referral from the primary care provider prior to the appointment. Back 4. What is the difference between LASIK and Laser surgery? Lasik and Laser surgeries are very different. LASIK stands for laser in situ keratomileusis and is a surgery that corrects the irregularity of the cornea, the window located in the front of the eye. This irregularity causes a person to be near-sighted, far-sighted, or have astigmatism. Laser surgery uses a high energy beam to destroy defective, leaky blood vessels in the retina (located in the back of the eye). These defective blood vessels generally develop as complications of specific eye diseases such as diabetes. Back What is a Cataract? A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye. People who have cataracts may complain of looking through a haze, glaring lights at night, and/or halos. If visual loss becomes significant, then surgical removal may be necessary. Back West Texas Retina Consultants Sunil S. Patel, M.D., Ph.D. S. Young Lee, M.D. 5441 Health Center Dr. Abilene, Texas 79606 800-810-7411 325-673-9806 info@westtexasretina.com Updated July 11, 2007 |
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