What are the key differences between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?

<p dir="ltr">Optometrists and ophthalmologists both work in eye care but differ in terms of education, responsibilities, and clinical authority.</p><p dir="ltr">Here's a table comparing their key roles and qualifications:</p><div dir="ltr" align="left"><table style="height: 457px; width: 99.0692%;"><colgroup><col style="width: 13.0778%;" width="116"><col style="width: 30.4397%;" width="270"><col style="width: 26.832%;" width="238"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th><p dir="ltr">Criteria</p></th><th><p dir="ltr">Optometrist</p></th><th><p dir="ltr">Ophthalmologist</p></th></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">Qualification</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom)</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">MBBS + MS/MD in Ophthalmology</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">Scope of Practice</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Vision testing, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, diagnosing basic eye issues</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Treats eye diseases, performs surgeries, prescribes medicines</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">Surgical Role</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Cannot perform surgeries</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Licensed to perform surgeries like cataract removal</p></td></tr><tr><td><p dir="ltr">Workplace</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Optical stores, clinics, hospitals</p></td><td><p dir="ltr">Hospitals, specialty eye care centers, private practice</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

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