The rate at which eye-related issues are increasing around the world is quite alarming. More people are flocking to hospitals to receive attention and care for their eyes. 

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This is understandable as sight is a vital tool in some, if not all, of our daily activities like driving, reading and working. As a result of this, there is an increased demand for eye specialists.

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Two examples of such trained specialists are optometrists and ophthalmologists.

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Though both are professionals who specialize in eye care, there's a difference between them and the services they provide.

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Who Is An Optometrist?

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An optometrist is an eye specialist that performs the following:

• Diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders
• Conducting eye tests and examinations
• Prescription of medication for the eyes
• Prescription and dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses.

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They are usually your go-to people for routine eye check-ups and prescription glasses.

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Who is An Ophthalmologist?

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These are medical practitioners who specialize in the care and treatment of the eye. The services they perform are:

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• Basic optometric services
• Surgical procedures for eye treatment
• Plastic surgery concerning the eyes and the areas around them can be performed by specialized ophthalmologists called oculoplastic surgeons.

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Ophthalmologists usually attend to more serious conditions, especially those that require surgical procedure.

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Sometimes, ophthalmologists decide to specialize in one area of medical and surgical eye care, for example, paediatric ophthalmology or glaucoma ophthalmology. They are referred to as subspecialists.

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Optometry vs Ophthalmology

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Though optometry and ophthalmology share similar characteristics, they have distinctions. The major one being that ophthalmology is a field of medicine while optometry is not.

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In Nigeria, optometry is a six-year course after which comes licensing and internship. And the average salary range of a Nigerian optometrist is between ₦100,000 and ₦150,000. In the United States, it is from $120,000 to $150,000. 

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There are few accredited institutions in Nigeria where one can receive a degree in optometry. They are:

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• Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State.

• Bayero University, Kano, Kano State.

• Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State.

• Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State.
• Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State.
• University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.
• University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State.

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But ophthalmology, on the other hand, is a licensed medical practice, they have the ability to practice medicine and are the only eye care specialists authorized to perform surgical operations on the eye. An ophthalmologist can perform all the functions of an optometrist.

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Ophthalmology in Nigeria involves a six-year course in medicine and surgery, followed by a year of internship and four years of residency. Ophthalmology can be studied in any institution that is accredited to offer medicine and surgery as a field of study.

The ophthalmologist may decide to spend one or two years on a subspecialty.

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Depending on factors like level of experience and where you are employed, the salary of an optometrist in Nigeria can range from ₦379, 000 to ₦1,150, 500. Seems like a juicy pay until Nigerian Federal Government happens.

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Conclusion

When it comes to matters of the eye, time is of essence. And knowledge of the relevant eye care professionals in a particular situation saves you a lot of time and stress. 

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Keep learning about better ways to care for your eyes, keep in constant touch with your doctor and remember to put what you learnt into practice. This will go a long way in preserving your eyes.

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