Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, New Jersey: The distinction between an ophthalmologist, optometrist, and orthoptist

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel, Edison, New Jersey-based ophthalmologist and co-founder of the Patel Eye Associates, understands that the field of optical medicine has a myriad of sub-specialties, making it difficult for people to understand which branch offers what treatment.

Often, people mistakably compare an ophthalmologist with an optometrist or an orthoptist. With these three different experts under one field of medicine, contrasting them can be hard for some patients. Below are some definitions—provided by some of the world’s most trusted medical institutions—that might help people differentiate the functions, services, and procedures performed of the three eye care specialists.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Photo credit: Visionandlearning.org

Opthalmologists and Optometrists

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, ophthalmologists like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, NJ, are “medical doctors who specialize in all aspects of eye care including diagnosis, management, and surgery of ocular diseases and disorders.” The World Council of Optometry on the other hand, has defined an optometrist as “the primary healthcare practitioner of the eye and visual system who provides comprehensive eye and vision care, which includes refraction and dispensing, detection of disease in the eye, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system.”

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Photo credit: Star-dust

Orthoptists

The World Health Organization defines the functional work of an orthoptist as “the study and treatment of defects in binocular vision…which involves a technique of eye exercises designed to correct the visual axes of eyes not properly coordinated for binocular vision.


The three eye doctors have some similarities, however. Both optometrists and ophthalmologists treat patients with medications, optical aids, and eye exercises; orthoptists do the same things minus the medication. All perform screenings for common visual problems affecting children and the adult population (including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy), and are required to contribute in the ongoing education courses to maintain licensure and keep abreast on the latest standards of eye care.

From Dr. Hitesh K. Patel

For more information about Dr. Hitesh K. Patel, his Edison, New Jersey-based eye clinic, and the services offered, visit www.pateleyeassociates.com.