For an eye exam, glasses, contact lenses, and the management of most eye conditions, an optometrist is the right place to start. If you need eye surgery, an ophthalmologist performs it.
Most people never need to make this decision themselves. Come in, and if something calls for a surgeon we will tell you and help arrange it.
What an optometrist does
An optometrist is a doctor of optometry, trained to examine, diagnose, and treat conditions of the eye and visual system.
In practice that covers:
- Comprehensive eye exams and prescriptions
- Contact-lens exams and fittings
- Diagnosing eye disease and monitoring it over time
- Prescribing medication where appropriate and within scope
- Managing chronic conditions such as dry eye and glaucoma
- Detecting eye changes related to diabetes and high blood pressure
- Coordinating referrals when a condition needs surgical care
Dr. Prewett graduated from the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry, completed postgraduate work in the therapeutic management of ocular conditions, and has been certified for the treatment and management of glaucoma since 2001. He also has experience in low vision.
What an ophthalmologist does
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the eye and performs eye surgery.
That includes cataract surgery, retinal surgery, corneal transplants, and surgical or laser treatment of glaucoma. Many also subspecialize.
Where the two overlap
Quite a lot, and that is the part that confuses people. Both examine eyes, both diagnose disease, and both prescribe medication.
The clearest practical difference is surgery. That is what an ophthalmologist does and an optometrist does not.
So who should you see?
Start with us for: routine exams, a change in vision, glasses or contacts, dry eye, red or irritated eyes, diabetic and blood pressure eye exams, glaucoma monitoring, and children's eye exams.
You will need an ophthalmologist for: cataract surgery when the time comes, retinal detachment repair, surgical glaucoma treatment, and other procedures.
Even in the second group, an eye exam is usually the first step. Somebody has to identify the problem and decide that surgery is the answer.
How referrals work here
When a condition needs care beyond our scope, we say so plainly, help arrange the referral, and stay involved in follow-up where appropriate.
Cataracts are the common example. Having one does not mean surgery is due. We monitor them, and when the effect on your daily life justifies it we discuss the referral. That decision is yours and is usually not urgent. See senior and low-vision care.
Knowing when to refer is part of the job, not a limitation of it.
An optician is a third thing
Worth clarifying since the words look similar. An optician fits and dispenses eyewear. They do not examine eyes or write prescriptions.
We are both an optometry office and an optical office, so the exam and the eyewear happen in the same place. See personalized eyewear and lenses.
Common questions
Do I need a referral to see you?
Generally no. Some insurance plans have their own requirements, so check your plan or call us.
Can an optometrist treat an eye infection?
Yes, within scope and where appropriate. Call us rather than waiting if your eye is red and painful.
Can you manage my glaucoma?
Dr. Prewett has been certified for glaucoma treatment and management since 2001. When a case calls for surgical care we coordinate the referral. See glaucoma monitoring.
Will my medical insurance cover this?
Medical eye visits are usually billed to medical insurance. We accept Medicare and CenCal/Medi-Cal. See medical eye care.
Start with an exam
If you are unsure who to see, start here. We will tell you if you need someone else.
Request an appointment or call 805-925-9575.
