21/04/2026
OPTOMETRIST OR OPHTHALMOLOGIST - WHO SHOULD YOU SEE?
At Visiomed Eye Laser Clinic, weâre often asked where to go for different eye concerns. Hereâs a simple guide to help you make the right choice:
About us
Visiomed Eye Laser Clinic is a private eye facility where ophthalmologists perform eye surgery.
We work with a team of skilled ophthalmologistsâsome based at our clinic, others practicing across Johannesburg. Each doctor runs their own independent practice, while we provide fully equipped theatre facilities for surgical procedures.
So⌠whatâs the difference?
Ophthalmologist: (Eye surgeon/Eye Specialist)
A medical doctor with 7 years training and another 4 years specialised training in eye health, including surgery. They diagnose and treat serious eye conditions and perform procedures like cataract surgery, LASIK, and more.
Optometrist:
An eye-care professional person with at least 4 years training and a degree - focused on primary vision care. They perform eye tests, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and manage common, non-urgent eye concerns.
When should you see each?
Visit an Optometrist for:
⢠Routine eye tests
⢠Glasses or contact lens prescriptions
⢠Mild symptoms like dryness, redness, or eye strain
⢠Monitoring stable eye conditions
Visit an Ophthalmologist for:
⢠Eye surgery (cataracts, LASIK, retinal procedures)
⢠Serious or worsening eye diseases (glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease)
⢠Urgent symptoms like sudden vision loss, flashes/floaters, eye injury, or severe pain and general follow up visits after surgery or treatment.
Optometrists are often your first point of contact and will refer you to an ophthalmologist when specialised treatment or surgery is needed. Together, they ensure you receive the best possible care at every stage.
If you're unsure where to start, a visit to your optometrist is usually the best first step.
If you need an ophthalmologist, Visiomed can help. Phone us on 011 476 3119 to be directed to the right doctor for your problem closest to your home.