General Ophthalmology Specialist

What is general ophthalmology?

General ophthalmology is a medical specialty focusing on eye health and vision. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Nguyen is a medical doctor with additional specialized training in medical and surgical eye care. 

She performs checkups, prescribes eyeglasses, treats eye disease, and performs surgery for glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye diseases where needed. Further, Dr. Nguyen treats problematic eye conditions like dry eyes and chalazion (stye).

How is ophthalmology different than optometry?

An ophthalmologist is a physician who's an expert in eye health and wellness, including diagnosis and treatment of conditions like macular degeneration, blepharitis, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and more. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Nguyen also expertly assesses symptoms like floaters and flashes in your visual field. 

An optometrist isn't a medical doctor. Optometrists primarily focus on refraction exams and fitting glasses and contact lenses. Although an optometrist can diagnose many eye conditions, they don't have the level of specialized diagnostic training that an ophthalmologist has. 

Optometrists can prescribe eye drops and may be able to perform very minor in-office procedures like cleaning your eyelids, but they aren't legally allowed to perform eye surgery, and they can't treat complex eye disease.

When do I need to see an ophthalmologist?

Exam timing is variable according to your situation. If you’re not at risk for eye disease and don’t currently have any symptoms, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having an eye exam at age 40. This exam establishes a baseline that Dr. Nguyen uses to monitor changes in the years ahead. 

If you have a personal or family history of eye disease, or if you have eye disease risk factors, including diabetes or high blood pressure, don’t wait until age 40 to schedule your baseline eye exam. By monitoring early, you can get early diagnosis and care for serious conditions like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. 

If you’re currently experiencing potential signs of eye disease, such as floaters, flashes, vision changes, dry eyes, light sensitivity, or any others, don’t delay in scheduling your exam at Westminster Eye Center.

Dr. Nguyen offers the best general ophthalmology care in the Westminster area at Westminster Eye Center, so get the care you deserve by booking online or calling the office today.