Eye Care Specialists

The Department of Eye Health at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) is made up of ophthalmologists, optometrists and support staff.

Ophthalmologist vs Optometrist

What's the Difference?

What is an Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) specially trained in the medical and surgical care and treatment of the eyes. Becoming an ophthalmologist can take 12 or more years of advanced education and training, including four years of college, four years of medical school training, and four years of internship and residency training. Some ophthalmologists obtain additional fellowship training after completing their residencies and learn more about one or two specific aspects or elements of the eye. After this training, they may practice as subspecialists.

What is an Optometrist?

Optometrists (Doctors of Optometry or O.D.s) attend four years of college and four years of optometry school, where they are trained to examine the eyes to determine the presence of any eye or vision problems, and deliver treatment options for many conditions. Optometrists prescribe glasses, contact lenses and some medications.