When you are ready to set up your eye appointment, you may wonder whether you will need an ophthalmologist or an optometrist in Calgary to help you get the care that you want. Understanding the differences between these two professionals will provide you with the right care and attention that your eyes need. But how do you know which one you need? 

When looking into an ophthalmologist, you are going tor someone who can do more of the medical and surgical needs for your eyes. They went to medical school and that was followed by a year in an internship and three years at a residency. Some will have one or two years in a fellowship when they are done. When they finish this, they are able to help with a number of eye care services including: 

1. Eye exams and other vision services.

2. Medical eye care to help with chemical burns and glaucoma

3. Surgical eye care to help with trauma, crossed eyes and other problems.

4. Plastic surgery to help smooth out wrinkles and droopy eyelids

5. Diagnosis and treatment of different eye conditions. 

Then there is the optometrist. These professionals are going to be in charge of the primary health care on the eye. When they were done with college, they had to spend 4 years in a professional program and then received their degree as a Doctor of Optometry. Some will also finish additional training or a fellowship before starting their new career. Some of the things that they can help with include: 

1. Do vision tests and eye exams

2. Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contacts for customers.

3. Monitor any eye conditions that are related to diseases like diabetes.

4. Help with conditions like glaucoma and dry eye

5. Provide vision therapy and other options 

If you just need to do a traditional eye exam every year or two to help protect your eyes and check whether there are some issues with your eyes, then you will need an optometrist in Calgary. They are able to handle some of these basics when it comes to eye care, giving you some of the best service around to keep those eyes safe and your vision doing well. 

If you are looking to get some surgery done on the eyes or have a more serious problem, then the ophthalmologist is a better option to use as they have gone to medical school and can handle some of the tougher work of surgery. Both can work together to provide you with the best care on your eyes.