Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

Which type of specialist primarily focuses on eye structure and surgery?

1. Optometrist

2. Ophthalmologist

3. Orthoptist

4. Paraoptometric

The correct answer is: Ophthalmologist

The correct answer is indeed the ophthalmologist. This specialist is a medical doctor who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders, including performing surgical procedures related to the eye. Ophthalmologists are trained to handle a wide range of eye issues, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex surgeries like cataract removal or corrective laser surgery. An optometrist also plays a crucial role in eye care, primarily focusing on vision correction, diagnosing refractive errors, and managing certain eye conditions, but they do not perform surgeries. An orthoptist specializes in binocular vision and eye movement disorders, focusing on non-surgical therapies and assessments, while paraoptometrics support optometrists and do not have direct patient examination or treatment responsibilities. In summary, the uniqueness of the ophthalmologist lies in their comprehensive training that includes both medical and surgical aspects of eye care, making them the primary specialist for eye structure and surgery.