It’s important to have a trusted eye doctor in South Jersey that you can turn to – not only when you have vision issues, but also for routine eye care. Having regular eye exams every 1-2 years is highly recommended, just as it is recommended to have overall health check-ups and tests.
Some people are confused by the terms ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician. Which professional is right for your unique vision needs? Read on to learn the differences among these classifications.
Ophthalmologists: Vineland Eye Doctors
An ophthalmologist has completed 11-12 or more years of post-graduate education and training to become a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). These types of eye doctors perform medical and surgical eye care including:
- Eye surgery
- Routine eye exams
- Specialized treatment to treat eye disease
- Medication prescriptions
- Glasses and contact lenses prescriptions
David R Pernelli, MD, founder of the Eye Institute of South Jersey, PC is a board certified ophthalmologist. Dr. Pernelli is the right choice if you need specialized care for advanced vision problems.
Optometrists: South Jersey Eye Doctors
Optometrists have completed 8-9 years of post-graduate education and training to become a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.). Optometrists are considered to be primary eye care providers. These types of eye doctors provide the following type of vision care:
- Diagnose refractive errors and eye disease
- Prescribe glasses and contact lenses
- Treat patients before and after surgery
- Perform minor in-office procedures
- Prescribe medications
Terrance K Heacox, Jr., OD, is an optometric physician at the Eye Institute of South Jersey, PC. Dr. Heacox is the right choice if you do not have any current vision problems but want to stay proactive with your eye health. He may discover a silent eye disease that is quietly robbing you of your vision – without any obvious symptoms.
Opticians: Vision Aid Professionals
Opticians are eye care professionals (not medical doctors) that help people get the right type of visual aid to see better. They may have earned a two-year associate degree in opticianry or they may become certified. Opticians perform the following services:
- Dispense, adjust and repair eyeglasses
- Fabricate lenses
- Help people find the right lenses for their lifestyle, fashion sense and budget
Opticians are the right choice if you need to be fitted with new glasses or contact lenses.