Eye care is an important part of your child's overall health. Whether you've noticed a specific problem with your child's vision or have been referred by your pediatrician, there is a wide range of ophthalmologists who can meet your needs.
But how do you know who to contact for an appointment with your child? What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an ophthalmologist? What about an orthoptic? At the Konovalov Ophthalmological Center - https://www.konovalov-eye-center.ru/info-for-patient/articles/astigmatizm_u_detei_lechenie/ They will tell you which doctor is best to see, and experienced ophthalmologists will help solve your child’s vision problems. Here's some basic information to help you understand which eye doctors your child can see.
Choosing the right ophthalmologist for your child
Although each ophthalmologist can offer the same elements of vision care (such as eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, and medications for non-surgical eye conditions), there are a few key differences.
Ophthalmologists are doctors and surgeons. They deal with the medical and surgical aspects of eye care. You will see an ophthalmologist when your child is diagnosed with an eye health problem. If necessary, ophthalmologists also perform surgical interventions. They have four years of medical school, followed by a three-year residency in ophthalmology and usually an additional one to two years of specialized fellowship training.
Optometrists, on the other hand, are doctors of optometry. They provide vision exams and routine eye care services. They can be considered as primary care physicians in the eye area. For patients with healthy eyes, they may prescribe glasses or corrective lenses. An optometrist can also prescribe eye drops and other medications to improve eye health. Optometrists have four-year postgraduate and doctoral degrees.
Orthoptics are ophthalmologists who treat specific vision problems related to vision, eye alignment, and eye movement. Orthoptists work with ophthalmologists to evaluate patients and help develop treatment plans. Orthoptists have a bachelor's degree, two years of orthopedic fellowship training, and must be certified by the American Orthoptic Board (AOC).
Where to start taking care of your eyes?
If your child has eye problems such as squinting, ptosis, or excessive tearing, he or she will be referred to an ophthalmologist. Otherwise, you will likely first see an eye doctor who will evaluate your child's eyes. They will determine your child's needs and, if necessary, refer you to an ophthalmologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for additional medical care.
The optometrist will test things like visual acuity or clarity (basically, how well your child can see). They will also evaluate eye alignment and movement, color blindness, depth perception, peripheral (side) vision, and eye pressure. If necessary, your eye doctor may prescribe glasses, topical medications such as eye drops and ointments, and some oral medications.
An eye exam consists of a comprehensive vision exam to screen for potential eye conditions, a refractive test that evaluates your child's vision, and an assessment of visual function and eye health. Your child's eyes will be dilated at the first visit and may be dilated at subsequent visits at the eye doctor's discretion.
Then, depending on the result of the test, the optometrist can write a prescription for glasses, which the optician fills. Likewise, an optometrist can write a prescription for medications to treat non-surgical eye conditions if needed. If your child requires additional medical attention, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist.
