If you’re looking for an eye doctor, you may notice that some ophthalmologists have MD after their name while others have DO. And if you’re not familiar with the difference, you may wonder what the difference is—and whether a DO can provide the same level of medical and surgical eye care as an MD.
The answer is yes! A DO is a fully licensed physician, just like an MD.
So, What Exactly Is a DO?
DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Like an MD, a DO attends four years of medical school and then completes residency training. A DO who becomes an ophthalmologist completes specialized residency training in the medical and surgical care of the eyes. Some also go on to complete additional fellowship training in areas like glaucoma, cornea, or retina.
DOs can diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, perform surgery, and provide the same types of specialized ophthalmology care as MDs.
One difference is that osteopathic medical training has traditionally placed a strong emphasis on looking at the whole person, not just one condition or symptom. That can be especially helpful in eye care because your eyes are often connected to what is happening throughout the rest of your body. Diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune conditions, medications, and other health issues can all affect your eyes and vision.
A little confusing… DO Is Not the Same as an OD
This is probably one of the biggest areas of confusion for patients.
A DO is a medical doctor. An OD is a Doctor of Optometry, or optometrist.
Optometrists play an important role in eye care and provide routine vision care, eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contacts, and treatment for many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist—whether they are an MD or DO—is a physician who has completed medical school and specialized medical and surgical training in eye care.
What Really Matters When Choosing Your Ophthalmologist?
Whether your ophthalmologist is an MD or DO, they have gone through medical school and residency and both have been trained vigorously in their specialty. Furthermore, board-certification requirements in the specialty of ophthalmology are identical for both DO’s and MD’s.
At Piedmont Eye Center, we believe great eye care starts with having confidence in your doctor. Our physicians are committed to listening to our patients, answering questions, and providing advanced medical and surgical eye care based on each patient’s individual needs.
Whether your ophthalmologist has MD or DO after their name, you can feel confident knowing that both are physicians who have completed extensive medical and specialized ophthalmology training to care for something incredibly important—your vision.