Best Ophthalmologists Near Me in McAllen, TX | WebMD (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to go to an ophthalmologist or optometrist? ›

Visit your medical optometrist for primary medical eye care, including eye medication prescriptions, monitoring and managing eye diseases, or emergency eye care services. Visit an ophthalmologist for interventions like surgical treatments for serious eye diseases, advanced ocular problems, or refractive eye surgery.

The “highest” eye doctor—the type with the most extensive training—is an ophthalmologist, who must hold an MD degree before completing four years of additional ophthalmology schooling. Subspecialists in the field require still more education.

The primary types of eye care professionals are opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists.

You can visit an ophthalmologist for the same care as an optometrist, such as a routine eye exam or prescription refill. However, an ophthalmologist can also perform eye surgery for various diseases and conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and strabismus surgery, plus more.

An optometrist has the rare opportunity to see your eyes in microscopic detail, which almost no one else ever does – so an eye test is the perfect time to conduct a very thorough test of the current condition of your eyes.

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is ranked Best in Ophthalmology by both U.S. News & World Report and Ophthalmology Times.

For general eye care, either an optometrist or ophthalmologist is a good option. Both of these types of eye doctors can: Give you a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Write a prescription for glasses or contacts.

Invented in 1862 by a Dutch ophthalmologist named Herman Snellen, the Snellen chart remains the most widespread technique in clinical practice for measuring visual acuity.

The differences between an Ophthalmologist, an Optometrist and an Optician have to do with the level of training and expertise of each. It is important so visit the right health care professional to make sure you properly care for your eyes.

What is the difference between a medical eye exam and a regular eye exam? ›

A medical exam includes diagnosis and treatment of an eye disease or malady (like glaucoma, conjunctivitis, or cataracts). A routine eye exam, on the other hand, includes diagnosis and treatment of non-medical complaints, like astigmatism, or farsightedness.

Essentially, people who have common eye care challenges, such as the need for eyeglasses, will only ever see an optometrist. Patients with more severe eye problems or complex eye conditions will require care beyond an optometrist's abilities. They require an ophthalmologist.

Find a doctor to treat serious eye problems

For serious eye problems, you may want to see an ophthalmologist.

Optometrists diagnose and treat eye diseases and vision problems. They perform eye exams to identify any problems in your vision. Optometrists can prescribe many of the most common treatments you'll need to correct your vision, including: Eyeglasses.

Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat injuries, infections, diseases, and disorders of the eye. Treatments can include medication taken orally (by mouth) or topically (in the eye), surgery, cryotherapy (freeze treatment), and chemotherapy (chemical treatment).