Specialty3 min read
Ophthalmology
An ophthalmologist addresses eye disorders and eye surgery, and also provides comprehensive eye exams, glasses prescriptions and medicines.
According to the NEI: an ophthalmologist and an optometrist can both perform a comprehensive dilated eye examination and prescribe glasses, lenses and medicines. But for serious eye problems an ophthalmologist is advised because they may offer treatments such as surgery that an optometrist does not, and some ophthalmologists specialise in particular diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
MedlinePlus describes the ophthalmologist as specialising in "eye disorders and eye surgery". This page does not cover the educational differences between the two professions. On the site, the diabetic retinopathy page is linked to it, and for people with diabetes a regular eye examination is advised according to NEI sources.
In one minute123
- What is it?
- The specialty of eye diseases and eye surgery.
- Who is usually affected?
- People with a vision problem, diabetes or eye diseases.
- Acute or chronic?
- Regular follow-up for people with diabetes.
- Main symptoms
- Blurred vision, eye pain, loss of vision.
- Red flags?
- Yes: sudden loss of sight, or pain with redness, is an emergency.
- Preventable?
- Regular eye examination, and controlling blood sugar and blood pressure.
What is it?
According to the NEI: both the ophthalmologist and the optometrist provide a comprehensive dilated examination and prescribe glasses, lenses and medicines; an ophthalmologist is advised for serious problems because they may offer surgery and other things an optometrist does not.
MedlinePlus describes them as specialising in eye disorders and eye surgery.
Conditions it covers
The condition linked to it on this site: diabetic retinopathy. The NEI states that some ophthalmologists specialise in particular diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The organ: the eye. A related symptom: blurred vision.
When to see one
Referral to the specialist is usually decided by the primary care provider according to the condition (MedlinePlus).
When do you need urgent help?
Call emergency services now 998
- Sudden loss of sight, double vision, a curtain over the eye, or pain with redness: seek emergency care (see the blurred vision page).4
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Should I see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist?
For a general examination either is sufficient according to the NEI; for serious problems an ophthalmologist is advised.1
Questions for your doctor
- Do I need an examination of the back of the eye (fundus)?
- How often should I have my eyes examined with diabetes?
- Is my blurred vision an emergency?
References
- 1NEI. Finding an Eye Doctor. www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/healthy-vision/finding-eye-doctorHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 2MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htmHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 3NEI / NIH. Diabetic Retinopathy. www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathyHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-03
- 4MedlinePlus. Vision problems. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003029.htmHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.