The course of study includes basic medical anatomy and pharmacology and specific courses relating to the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eyes and vision system. An optometrist can examine your eyes and related structures for health and vision disorders and treats vision problems with spectacle and contact lenses and exercises. In many locales, optometrists dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Some ophthalmologists specialize in treating very specific eye problems.
These include the treatment of retina and corneal diseases. Ophthalmologists may also perform intricate surgical procedures including cataracts removal and crystalline lens transplants and various repairs and therapies utilizing lasers. In some locales, they also provide vision examinations and may dispense contact lenses and eyeglasses. The services you may receive from an ophthalmologist or optometrist may be nearly identical or considerably different and limited in scope. This would depend on where the practice is located and what specialties the doctor chooses to provide.