Q: What is a Retina Specialist?  Or an Ophthalmologist? How does this differ from an Optometrist?

A: Ophthalmologists and Retina Specialists are medical school trained doctors (physicians) that specialize in eye problems and diseases.  We are able to prescribe medications, use lasers, or perform surgeries as indicated for each eye problem.

A Retina Specialist is an ophthalmologist who has completed additional educational training to subspecialize in diseases of the retina and vitreous.  We are able to perform more specialized medical, laser, and surgical treatments for diseases of the retina and vitreous.

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An optometrist is optometry school trained and mainly focus on providing vision care.  Optometrists play a vital role in screening for eye diseases and maintaining eye health.  This may include the examination for and treatment of nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as general eye diseases and vision disorders.  Optometrists often prescribe glasses or contact lenses to help patients achieve their best visual potential.