Eye Dr in Ft Myers

Whether you are overdue for an eye exam, need to have your prescription evaluated or need eye surgery, you will find an eye doctor at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers who can help.

Elmquist Eye Group has been serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and communities throughout Southwest Florida for 25 years. Our skilled team includes board certified ophthalmologist Yasaira Rodriguez, MD, board certified optometrists Kate Wagner, OD (partner) and Nina Burt, OD, and highly trained opticians.

We provide a wide range of eye care services for everyone in your family, including eye exams and the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, dry eyes, glaucoma, presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and other eye conditions.

Types of Eye Doctors

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists, like Dr. Yasaira Rodriguez, are medical doctors and have earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (OD) degree. This requires at least four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of internship, and three to six years of residency training.

Many ophthalmologists receive additional fellowship training in sub-specialties such as glaucoma, corneal disease and retinal disease.  To earn their licenses, they are required to pass rigorous national exams and board exams. To maintain their licenses, they must meet continuing medical education requirements.

Ophthalmologists are trained and licensed to diagnose and treat complex eye conditions, perform surgery, such as LASIK laser vision correction, cataract removal, retinal detachment surgery, and surgery related to eye trauma, and can prescribe a broader range of prescription medications than optometrists.

Optometrist

Optometrists, like Dr. Wagner and Dr. Burt, have earned a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.  This requires four years of college (just like medical doctors) plus another four years of optometry school. During the last two years of optometry school, they examine patients in eye clinics and hospitals, work with eye surgeons and specialists, and do ophthalmic research.

Optometrists are required to pass rigorous exams to earn their licenses and must meet continuing education requirements to maintain them. Some optometrists also have additional training in specialty areas, such as retinal disease and glaucoma. For example, Dr. Wagner has additional training in Refractive Surgery Management.

Optometrists perform the majority of comprehensive eye exams in the U.S. They are also licensed to prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses, prescribe some medications, and perform minor surgical procedures. They perform vision tests, diagnose and treat many eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases, and are trained to detect systemic diseases that may manifest in the eyes, such as diabetes.

Optician

Opticians are not eye doctors but play an important part of your eye care team. They are trained to use a prescription provided by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to design and fit corrective lenses and frames. In general, they receive a one- or two-year degree or certification and are not qualified to diagnose or treat vision problems or eye diseases. Opticians can assist you in selecting just the right frame and lenses to fit your unique lifestyle and personality.

Choosing Elmquist Eye Group for your family eye care gives you access to a complete range of eye doctors in Fort Myers with different training, expertise, and unique strengths. Get in touch with us today at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment.