Blaine Eye Clinic

General Questions

Q: Do you have optometrists or ophthalmologists? What is the difference?

A: The Blaine Eye Clinic doctors are optometrists. Doctors of optometry are trained to examine, diagnose, treat and manage disorders of the eye or vision. They detect and diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disorders, lid disorders, and infections such as conjunctivitis. They prescribe oral and topical medications to treat eye diseases. Pre- and post-operative care for glaucoma, laser, refractive, and cataract patients is provided by optometrists.

Optometrists’ training includes attending a university for their undergraduate degree followed by four additional years of optometry school. To earn their doctoral degree they concentrate specifically on the structure, function and disorders of the eye. While concentrating on the eye and visual system, optometrists also study general health in the human body.

In addition to their formal, doctorate-level training, all optometrists participate in ongoing continuing education courses to stay current on the latest standards of care and to maintain their licenses to practice. Optometry is one of the only doctoral-level health care professions to require continuing education in every state for license renewal.

Ophthalmologists spend four years studying the body and its systems to earn their doctorate of medicine. From there they spend on average three years in an ophthalmology residency. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye diseases just like optometrists, but they are also trained to perform eye surgery if needed.

Q: What is an optician?

A: An optician is a person who is specifically trained in the fitting and adjusting of eye wear. Most of our opticians are American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certified and regularly attend continuing education classes to keep up to date on the newest technologies.

Q: What is the difference between an eye examination at your clinic versus a chain retailer?

A: Many times, chain retailers put most of the emphasis on one part of the eye exam. This part is called the refraction, and it is how the doctor determines your specific prescription. Our clinic certainly performs refractions, but we also thoroughly evaluate your eye health. The problem with only performing a refraction is that the health of your eye is not evaluated. Conditions like diabetes and hypertension can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Having the internal health of your eyes evaluated is equally important as having the prescription checked.