Ophthalmologists and optometrists are two different kinds of doctors that diagnose and treat eye conditions. Ophthalmologists attend medical school and have the designation of MD. Optometrists attend optometry school and have the designation of OD. Both are qualified to perform eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses and manage diseases and disorders affecting the visual system, such as glaucoma, dry eye, and macular degeneration.
The primary difference between an ophthalmologist and optometrist is that an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor and is trained and experienced in eye surgery procedures such as LASIK and cataract surgery.