What's the difference between a optometrist an a ophthalmologist?

Generally speaking, when you go to the eye doctor for a general exam you are usually seeing an optometrist. Their concentration is the eye and structures related to the eye. An optometrist goes to school for four years and then enters optometry school, where they will receive their Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.-Oculis Doctor).

An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, concentrates on diseases of the eye. They are specialists in anatomy and function of the eye and perform surgeries. They go to school for 4 years, attend medical school, complete residency and internship, and then attend a school for post graduate studies in ophthalmology. Upon completion of school they will hold a medical degree (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.).