Optometrist or Ophthalmologist: Which Eye Doctor Do You Need? cataract surgery · co-management · eye doctor · LASIK · ophthalmologist · optician · optometrist · primary eye care · Oct 09, 2026 For most eye care, an optometrist is the right first stop. Here's how optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians differ, and how they work together when you need surgery.