An ophthalmologist is either a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO). Training consists of a bachelor’s degree (four years), medical school (four years), an internal medicine internship (one year), an ophthalmology residency (three years) and a fellowship (one year) in pediatric ophthalmology. They specialize in the diagnosis of ocular diseases as well as the treatment and surgery of these conditions. Dr. Kruger is a board certified Ophthalmologist, specializing in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
An optometrist’s training consists of a bachelor’s degree (four years) and an optometry professional program (four years). Some also participate in a post-doctorate residency training. They are typically trained to examine the eye for the purpose of prescribing glasses and screening for certain eye abnormalities.
Our certified orthoptists have completed a bachelor’s degree program and then a one to two year orthoptic fellowship program that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of patients with disorders of the visual system (usually focusing on binocular vision and eye movement). They become board-certified orthoptists (C.O.) through the American Association of Certified Orthoptists.
Opticians assist with choosing and fitting a patient with appropriate frames and lenses after the ophthalmologist and/or optometrist has determined the prescription. They usually receive on-the-job training and can become certified by the American Board of Opticianry.