Eye care specialists

What is an ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is either a medical doctor (M.D.) or an osteopathic physician (D.O.) who specializes in comprehensive eye care and provides examinations, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are skilled in all facets of eye care, from prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses to performing intricate eye surgery. Many also choose to specialize in one particular disease or portion of the eye (i.e., pediatric ophthalmologist or glaucoma specialist).

What is an optometrist?

An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (O.D.), but not a medical doctor. Optometrists can examine, diagnose, and manage many visual problems and eye diseases, and are specially trained to test vision in order to prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, they do not perform eye surgeries.

What is an orthoptist?

Orthoptists are an integral part of our Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus team, both at Children’s Wisconsin and at the Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute. Orthoptists are board certified allied health providers with the clinical skill set and expertise to evaluate and diagnose disorders of binocular vision, ocular motility and neuromuscular anomalies of the eyes. Orthoptists are also qualified to design and manage a program of non-surgical treatment of these disorders, when appropriate, under the indirect supervision of an ophthalmologist.

Orthoptists have obtained their Bachelor’s Degree and have completed an additional fellowship in Orthoptics. They are Board Certified by the American Orthoptic Council and are required to obtain continuing education credits to maintain their certifications.

• Meet our orthoptists

What is an optician?

An optician is a technician who fits, adjusts, and fills the prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

What is an ocularist?

An ocularist is a technician who makes ophthalmic prostheses, such as glass or artificial eyes.