I would like to clarify the difference between ophthalmologists and optometrists. I am qualified to comment because I am an optometrist, and I work closely with a number of ophthalmologists in my area. Optometrists are doctors with four years of post graduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems and eye diseases. Optometrists in all 50 states can prescribe medication to treat eye diseases. Anyone who says optometrists are just sellers of eyeglasses just doesn't know what he or she is talking about. Ophthalmologists are surgeons who also treat medical conditions and prescribe glasses. As you can see, there is a lot of overlap. Some ophthalmologists who feel threatened by optometrists encroaching on their previously exclusive medical domain will try to spread rumors that optometrists cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions. But, that is just sour grapes from a disenchanted few. By the way, more and more ophthalmologists are selling glasses now as a way to help make ends meet. Insurance and managed care have hurt everyone. In general, if you have a vision problem, an infection, glaucoma, diabetes, or inflammation or just about any eye disease, your optometrist can take care of you. If you need surgery, you will need an ophthalmologist. And your optometrist can help you to find a good one, and avoid the bad ones. Regarding the optometrists at Lenscrafters, they almost never see patients with eye diseases since people with eye diseases rarely consult them. So, even though they are trained for it, their skill are rusty, just like you would be if you hadn't picked up your guitar in two years.

Al