What's an Eye-MD? Aren't all eye doctors the same?

An Eye-MD is also known as an opthalmologist. In contrast to an optometrist (who specializes in contacts and glasses), an Eye-MD is a medical doctor who has received additional residency training to diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and measure your eyes for glasses and contacts. Please remember that an Eye-MD has received the same strong base of medical training as your primary care physician (or internist), your cardiologist, or your surgeon. The differentiation occurs in specialization, where an Eye-MD has chosen to specialize in the eye.

The distinction between these "eye doctors" has become of paramount importance in various states, including Hawaii. Recent laws have been passed in our state which allow an expansion in the scope of practice of optometrists to treat medical diseases.

It now becomes incumbent upon the patient to decide where to obtain medical eye care (for conditions such as glaucoma, infections, and diabetic eye problems). There is a great saying in America:"Knowledge is power." We are hopeful that this brief information will provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision: Glaucoma is still a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It is likely that only one-half of the patients with glaucoma have actually been diagnosed. The medications used in glaucoma and infections can interact with other medications and can cause life-threatening reactions. Your Eye-MD or Ophthalmologist has at least 4 years and as many as 7 years of additional training beyond an optometrist. Your Eye-MD also has years of training and experience with medications prescribed by your other physicians.