Is an optometrist an MD?

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care. That ranges from comprehensive eye exams to diagnosing, treating, and managing vision and overall eye health.

Your optometrist is your first stop when it comes to the health of your eyes. They generally attend nearly a decade of school after high school. But do they go to medical school?

Do optometrists go to medical school?

Optometrists are doctors of optometry, meaning they are doctors that specialize in the health of the eyes. While they generally attend nearly a decade of higher education, they do not go to medical school since they specialize in optometry. Instead, future optometrists must acquire a bachelor’s degree. Then they enter an optometry program. 

Each state has its own optometry board with licensing of its optometrists. Each candidate must pass three parts of a comprehensive examination, along with a few additional parts, to become licensed.

Becoming a licensed optometrist is no easy task. They are doctors that have specialized in the health of the eyes.

What is the difference between OD and MD?

MD stands for Medical Doctor, referring to someone who has attended medical school. They have to obtain a bachelor’s degree, complete four years of medical school and attend post-graduate training. 

Optometrists are referred to as OD, which stands for Optometry Doctor. Their focus is eye health, diagnosis, and treatment, so they are not required to attend a more general medical school. Instead, they spend that time in more specialized training.

If you are experiencing vision problems or need a routine eye exam, optometrists like our team at Oklahoma City Vision will take care of you with our professionalism and expertise.