Eye Specialist in Aligarh: Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist, and Who to See First

People who search for an eye specialist in Aligarh often mean two different things. Some have a problem with their eye. Some just cannot see well and want new glasses. They need different people. This guide helps you pick the right one.

Optometrist and ophthalmologist: the simple difference

	Optometrist	Ophthalmologist
What they are	Eye-care professional for eyesight	Medical doctor for the eye
What they do	Test your vision, prescribe glasses	Treat eye disease, do eye surgery
Go for	Blur, headaches, new or old glasses	Pain, redness, injury, infection, eye disease

See a doctor or an eye hospital first if you have

• Eye pain, or a red eye that does not settle
• An injury to the eye, or something stuck in it
• Sudden loss or change of vision
• New flashes of light, or many new floaters
• Discharge, swelling or a lot of watering

Do not wait for these. Our list of warning signs has more.

An eye test is the usual first step if you have

• Blurry vision, near or far
• Headaches after reading or screens
• Squinting, or tired eyes at the end of the day
• Old glasses that no longer feel right

Not sure how often? Our guide on how often to get your eyes tested helps. See also signs you need glasses.

Eye testing at Deepak Optical

Deepak Optical offers eye testing at the shop on Ramghat Road, opposite Gandhi Eye Hospital. After the test you can pick frames and have the lenses fitted at the same counter. An eye test at an optical shop is not a replacement for an examination by a doctor. If anything about your eyes worries you, see an ophthalmologist.

Already have a prescription from a hospital?

Then you do not need another test to get glasses made. Send us a photo of the slip, and we will have your options ready when you arrive. Our guide to getting spectacles near Gandhi Eye Hospital explains how it works.

This article is general information, not medical advice. For persistent symptoms or any sudden change in your vision, see an eye-care professional.