What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist?

In Australia, an Optometrist is a healthcare professional who can examine eyes, prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, and detect eye diseases.
An Ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who specialises in eye and vision care, including the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, and they can perform eye surgery.
For more complex eye conditions or surgeries, you would typically be referred to an Ophthalmologist like those supported by Kingswood Eye Centre & Hills Eye Centre.
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