The terms ophthalmology, optometry, and vision science are closely related but differ in meaning and scope. A precise understanding of these disciplines is beneficial for the advancement of ophthalmology and supports the comprehensive and healthy development of eye disease prevention, treatment, and eye care services within the country.
Ophthalmology originates from surgery and was one of the first disciplines to branch off from general surgery. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who acquire the ability and responsibility to independently engage in ophthalmic medical practices through training in medical schools and specialized ophthalmologic education. Ophthalmologists are trained within the framework of clinical medicine programs. As the field has evolved, ophthalmology has been further subdivided into various subspecialties, such as vitreoretinal diseases, glaucoma, cataract, ocular trauma, corneal diseases, uveitis, strabismus and pediatric ophthalmology, refractive surgery, oculoplasty, orbital diseases, and ocular tumors. These subspecialties are typically managed by senior ophthalmologists with comprehensive knowledge of general ophthalmology and specialized expertise in specific areas. Among these, knowledge of refraction is a fundamental aspect of ophthalmology, and mastering its basics is a required competency for ophthalmologists.
Optometry, on the other hand, derives from the branch of physics known as optics and belongs to the domain of natural sciences. Optometry primarily studies the optical properties of the eye and focuses on the detection and correction of refractive errors. This includes the use of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other methods to address refractive issues. In some countries, optometrists provide primary eye care services, including vision assessment, correction of refractive errors, and the screening of common eye conditions, along with visual function rehabilitation training. There is a degree of overlap between optometry and ophthalmology due to differences in their developmental trajectories, training pathways, and overlapping service populations. As a field of natural science, the goal of optometric education is to train optometrists who possess expertise in refraction and refractive error correction, distinct from the training of ophthalmologists. While optometrists do not perform medical or surgical ophthalmology, they work collaboratively with ophthalmologists to serve patients with refractive errors and play a critical role in the prevention and control of myopia, particularly in children and adolescents.
Vision science is an important branch of neuroscience and serves as an interdisciplinary field that explores the development of the visual system, mechanisms of visual information processing, color vision, and cognitive and behavioral issues related to vision. It encompasses areas such as visual neuroscience, visual psychophysics, computational vision science, and visual cognitive psychology. More broadly, vision science refers to a collection of fields related to vision, and it serves as a foundational discipline. Vision science research is primarily conducted by scientific researchers, although ophthalmologists and optometrists with an interest in the field may also participate.