01/07/2026
Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist: Do you know the difference, and which one you should see? It's one of the most common questions we hear from patients.
Hereโs a quick breakdown:
๐ An Optometrist (OD) is your primary eye care doctor for comprehensive eye exams, glasses and contact lens prescriptions, and managing most common eye conditions.
โ๏ธ An Ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor and surgical specialist who treats all eye diseases, including complex cases like advanced glaucoma and macular degeneration, and performs all types of eye surgery, like LASIK and cataract surgery.
The best part? At Berkeley Eye Center, you don't have to choose. Our integrated network of experienced ODs and MDs work together to ensure you get the exact care you need.
We wrote a complete guide to help you understand the roles of each eye care professional, including opticians. Read the full post on our blog to learn more!
Link: https://www.berkeleyeye.com/blog/ophthalmologist-vs-optometrist-which-do-i-need-to-see