Even though they are quite similar to Ophthalmologists, optometrists cannot perform surgery. That job is left for the Ophthalmologist to do. Optometrists can handle almost all aspects of Ophthalmology except the surgery part which is outside their job description.

Together with being able to diagnose, treat and also prescribe corrective lenses, optometrists can also prescribe medications when needed. Even though they are not medical doctors, they are trained health care personnel in the field of the eye and are in a position to prescribe medication to patients who need them.

An Optometrist is a health care professional that provides primary eye care to a patient. They can conduct tests, diagnose, treat and help maintain eye conditions. An Ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a professional who treats all kinds of eye problems including performing surgery when needed. One major difference between both of them is that one is a medical doctor while the other is not. An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor while an optometrist is not.

Optometrists are eye care professionals who can conduct eye tests, prescribe corrective lenses, and also detect eye abnormalities. These professionals provide primary eye care and can diagnose and also treat certain eye conditions.