Safe Eye Care
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Safe Eyes America?
Safe Eyes America is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the delivery of the highest quality medical and surgical eye care to the American public. We educate the public, federal and state legislators, and regulators on the vital importance of medical education and ophthalmology residency training in the delivery of the quality eye care that the public deserves.
What public policy affects safe eye health?
Safe Eyes America advocates for state and federal policies that ensure only qualified eye physicians and surgeons—ophthalmologists—with the necessary medical education and training are licensed to provide eye surgery for patients with complex eye conditions. Visit our Policy Research and News Clips pages to see what’s happening around America with eye health legislation.
What’s the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
If you need advanced care or surgery for an eye condition, it’s important to understand what these two eye care professionals are trained to do for you. Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice medicine, treat eye disease, and perform eye surgery. Optometrists are licensed to perform vision exams, prescribe vision correction, and treat many conditions. Optometrists are not medical doctors and they are not surgeons. Learn more about the important differences between these providers on our What We Do page.
How can I support Safe Eyes America?
As a nonprofit organization, Safe Eyes America relies on contributions to fund the important advocacy work of making sure Americans have access to the safest, highest quality eye care. You can support this work by making a contribution on our Donate page.
Where can I find more information about eye health?
As a resource for critical information on eye care, Safe Eyes America is committed to helping Americans make educated decisions when it comes to the health of their eyes. Visit our website’s Common Eye Conditions page to learn about common eye problems and treatments.
How do I know if I need my eyes examined?
Any time you’re experiencing problems with vision, you should have your eyes examined. Whether due to age, certain medical conditions, or family history, some adults and children may be at higher risk for developing eye problems and should see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist to get a comprehensive, baseline exam. Visit our Eye Health Risk Factors page to determine when you might need to schedule an eye exam.