Eye Care

Whether you have good eyesight or use eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may wish to have routine eye exams while you are in the U.S.

Eye care professionals in the U.S. are ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. They differ in their levels of training and what they can diagnose and treat.

• Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in eye and vision care. They must complete college and at least eight years of additional medical training. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and are licensed to prescribe medicine and perform surgery.
• Optometrists (ODs) provide primary vision care such as sight testing and prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Optometrists must complete four years of optometry school, preceded by three years or more years of college. They can prescribe medications for certain eye diseases.
• Opticians are technicians trained to fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight. They use prescriptions supplied by ophthalmologists or optometrists, but they do not test vision or treat eye diseases.

Routine vision care is not covered under many health insurance plans, but Partners employees are offered separate vision coverage to pay for some of the cost associate with exams and vision correction. The personnel office at the hospital where you work can provide more information about dental insurance.

Detailed information on vision care can be found on the website of the American Optometric Association (www.aoa.org) or the American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org).