Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist: Choosing the Right Eye Doctor in San Antonio

By Dr. Jake Trinidad, M.D. – Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, Trinidad Vision Center

Not all eye doctors are the same. While both ophthalmologists and optometrists play important roles in eye health, their education, training, and what they’re licensed to do are significantly different. If you’re dealing with vision issues or considering eye surgery, knowing which type of provider to see can make a big difference in your care.

Education and Training

The training paths for ophthalmologists and optometrists are similar at first glance—but diverge significantly after undergraduate school. Ophthalmologists complete medical school and a surgical residency, while optometrists attend optometry school focused on general vision care.

Scope of Practice

Ophthalmologists are trained as both physicians and surgeons, while optometrists focus on primary vision care. This difference affects what types of conditions they can treat and whether they can perform surgery.

Admissions and Licensing

Ophthalmologists must complete medical school and match into a competitive residency program, which includes hands-on surgical training and managing complex eye diseases. They also pass rigorous national board exams and obtain a medical license.

Optometrists attend optometry school and are licensed to perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and manage some medical eye conditions. However, they are not trained or licensed to perform surgery. Ophthalmology is considered one of the most competitive specialties in all of medicine.

How Many Are Practicing in the U.S.?

There are far fewer ophthalmologists than optometrists in the United States. That’s partly due to the length and difficulty of medical training required for surgical practice.

When Should You See Each?

You don’t always need to see an ophthalmologist for every eye concern—but for some conditions, they’re the only provider qualified to help.

• Visit an optometrist for routine eye exams, glasses or contact lens prescriptions, mild dry eye, and non-urgent vision changes.
• Visit an ophthalmologist if you are experiencing sudden vision loss, eye trauma, advanced eye disease, or need surgery such as cataract removal or LASIK. They’re also the right choice if you have conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or glaucoma that require medical or surgical intervention.

What Can Go Wrong if You Choose Incorrectly?

While optometrists are a great first stop for general eye care, seeing them for issues beyond their scope—like a retinal detachment or a mature cataract—can delay diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, that delay can lead to irreversible vision loss. Only ophthalmologists are trained and equipped to handle advanced eye disease and perform surgery.

Final Thoughts

Both optometrists and ophthalmologists are valuable members of your vision care team. They often work hand-in-hand to help patients maintain good eye health. However, if you’re facing a serious issue with your vision or need surgery, an ophthalmologist has the advanced medical training required to provide full diagnosis, treatment, and surgical care.

At Trinidad Vision Center, we’re proud to offer expert ophthalmic care to the San Antonio community. Whether you’re seeking routine care or specialized treatment, Dr. Jake Trinidad and our team are here to provide clear answers, expert solutions, and personalized support. Contact us today online or over the phone to schedule an appointment.