Choosing the right ophthalmologist｜Things that even a doctor doesn’t know? When most people have an eye problem, they go straight to the hospital, register with an ophthalmologist, and leave the rest to the doctor? I guess many people don’t consider whether the doctor you are seeing is an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Some of you may be asking, “Do you need to consider this too? Is there a difference? Let Zhen answer you: there is a big difference! In fact, in Europe and the United States, both ophthalmologists and optometrists have prescriptive authority, and many patients are confused about the differences between the two. In fact, in Europe and the United States, both ophthalmologists and optometrists have prescriptive authority, and many patients are confused about the differences between the two. A, the concept of the difference Ophthalmologist (Medical Doctor), referred to as MD in the industry, mainly for the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. Optometrists (Doctor of Optometry), referred to as OD in the industry, are mainly responsible for improving and training the visual function of the eye. Differences in experience Ophthalmologists must go through clinical medical school and receive several years of professional eye care and surgical training before becoming qualified ophthalmologists. Optometrists, on the other hand, undergo professional training at optometric colleges, which includes problem solving, eyeglass and contact lens fitting, as well as basic eye examinations, initial diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, complex eye refraction and treatment of binocular vision problems, before they can obtain an optometrist degree. Differences in skills In foreign countries, ophthalmologists and optometrists each have their own strengths, but also intersect with each other. If you don’t know enough about optometrists, the following are some common problems that can help you understand more about them. >>>> Big difference in the prescription of both eyes There are many patients with big difference in the prescription of both eyes in China (patients with more than 250 degrees in both eyes are called refractive error); however, when they get frame glasses in general optical stores, they often can’t get comfortable wearing effect because of the big difference in the prescription of both eyes and the big difference in the image size, which will The reason is that the difference between the prescriptions of both eyes and the size of the image is large, which can cause double vision, double vision, and severe visual fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a professional optometrist to get glasses for refractive error eyes. Under the special fitting principles, the optometrist will suggest different prescription solutions for each patient’s situation and needs. >>>> poor night vision Some people often complain that their vision is good during the day, but when they drive at night, they have blurred vision or reduced vision. Poor night vision is more often caused by refractive problems (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) than by eye diseases (such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa), as ruled out by ophthalmologists. Especially at night, the pupils become larger and the ability to focus light is particularly poor, which worsens blurred vision and double vision compared to daytime. For night vision loss caused by refractive problems, the optometrist will give professional optometric advice through a special night vision examination with standard medical optometry. >>>> Patients with fundus diseases (e.g. macular degeneration, retinal detachment) usually have a change in refractive power. After the ophthalmologist determines that the condition is stable, the optometrist will perform another medical optometry for these patients.