Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist: Who Should You See and When?
If you’re comparing eye doctors in Marietta—whether you need a routine exam, have cataracts on the horizon, or simply want a second opinion before eye surgery—understanding the distinct roles of ophthalmologists and optometrists will help you choose the right provider.
Here, board-certified Marietta ophthalmologist & fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist Jordan Stanley, MD explains.
What is an optometrist?
Optometrists are the primary eye care providers for most people—offering routine eye exams, glasses and contact lens prescriptions, and screening for conditions that may require more advanced medical or surgical treatment.
Typical Services You’ll Receive:
- Glasses and contact lens prescriptions
- Screening and treatment for dry eye, red eye, ocular allergies, and early glaucoma
- Minor in‑office procedures (for example, removing a foreign body or draining a stye)
Degree & Training: Doctor of Optometry (OD) earned after four years of optometry school following college; some also complete a one-year residency.
An optometrist is often the best first stop for preventive vision care, while an ophthalmologist is the only eye‑care provider qualified to perform surgery and manage complex diseases.
What is an ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in surgical and advanced medical eye care—including diagnosing complex conditions and managing diseases that affect vision, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetes-related eye disease.
Typical Services You’ll Receive:
- Diagnosis and management of all eye diseases, including complex glaucoma and retinal disorders
- Cataract, glaucoma, corneal, and refractive surgeries
- Prescriptions for any eye‑related medications, plus glasses and contacts
Degree & Training: Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) who completes four years of medical school, a one‑year internship, and a minimum three‑year ophthalmology residency; many pursue additional subspecialty fellowships.
At PureSight Surgical, Marietta’s board‑certified ophthalmologist Dr. Jordan Stanley personally performs your diagnostics, discusses your concerns and goals, and performs surgery. Beyond the required training, Dr. Stanley completed post-residency fellowship training in glaucoma management and received specialized training in Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery for vision correction—a cutting-edge LASIK alternative.
Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: Training & Credentials
| Optometrist (OD) | Ophthalmologist (MD/DO) | |
| Total Post‑Undergrad Education | 4-5 years | 8+ years |
| Specializes in Prescribing Glasses/Contacts | ✔ | ✘ |
| Can Diagnose & Treat Eye Disease | ✔ (nonsurgical only) | ✔ (medical & surgical) |
| Can Perform Surgery | ✘ | ✔ |
| In‑Depth Systemic Health Training | Limited | Extensive |
Dr. Stanley is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist. As the founder of PureSight Surgical in Marietta, GA, Dr. Stanley is committed to offering excellence in care for cataract surgery, ICL refractive surgery, glaucoma management, and medical eye exams with transparent fee-for-service pricing available for those without insurance. He is also in network with Medicare and many private insurance plans including Blue Cross and United.
When to See an Optometrist vs. an Ophthalmologist
See an optometrist for …
- Annual or biannual comprehensive eye exams
- Updating glasses or contact‑lens prescriptions
- Managing mild to moderate dry eye or eye allergies
- Monitoring stable ocular conditions without surgical needs
See an ophthalmologist for …
- Cataract diagnosis and surgery
- Laser or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
- Diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, or retinal detachment
- Eye injuries or sudden vision loss
- Refractive surgery for freedom from glasses or contacts, i.e., implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery or LASIK
If you have healthy eyes and need an updated prescription for glasses or contacts → start with an optometrist.
If you notice changes in vision, experience eye pain, or have been told you need surgery → schedule directly with an ophthalmologist like Dr. Stanley.
PureSight Surgical Gives You Direct Access to Advanced Care
Most patients already have a trusted local optometrist—the one who’s cared for them and their families for years. But when surgery becomes necessary, they’re often referred to large, corporate eye-care systems where pricing is unclear and care can feel impersonal.
PureSight Surgical is different. As a small, physician-owned specialty clinic, we offer expert surgical care with clear pricing and a personal touch that treats you like a person, not a number.
PureSight Surgical is different in several ways:
- Direct Surgeon Access: You meet Dr. Stanley from day one.
- Transparent Pricing: Our all‑inclusive package pricing is listed online so self‑pay patients, without insurance coverage, know the exact cost before committing—no surprises. View pricing »
- Specialized, local care with a personal touch: We take time with every patient—whether you’re navigating cataracts or glaucoma, or exploring options like ICL to gain freedom from glasses or contacts.
“Different than every doctor you’ve ever been to! Dr. Stanley is kind, patient, and thorough. He took time to exam my eyes and explained to me what he was seeing. He spent time answering all my questions. His self pay pricing is clear and transparent which is great for people who don’t have traditional health insurance. Highly recommend!
At PureSight Surgical, we provide transparent pricing and personalized care to save you both time and money. For patients who are un- or under-insured, this empowers you to understand what your care costs and avoid unexpected fees and charges.
PureSight Surgical is here for you! Call (770) 230‑2020 or reach out online today. We welcome insured and self‑pay patients—with pricing as clear as the custom lenses we use to restore and improve your vision.