What is Ophthalmology?

Opthamology

Opthemology

Opthalmology

Optamology

OPHTHALMOLOGY - lots of extra silent h's and l's in there, but it's pronounced op-thul-mol-O-gy.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), "an ophthalmologist, or an Eye M.D., is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care" (click here for AAO's website).  Ophthalmologists are different than optometrists and opticians due to their level of training and in the eye conditions and diseases that they can diagnose and treat.  Due to extensive education and additional medical training, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine AND surgery.  They can diagnose and treat all eye diseases as well as perform eye surgery and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses for vision problems.

When compared, an optometrist provides primary vision care including sight testing and correction, as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes.  They are able to prescribe and dispense corrective lenses, can detect eye abnormalities and prescribe medications for certain eye diseases.  Optometrists are fantastic resources for basic and routine eye care, but they are not medical doctors.

In the case of Emilio M. Justo, M.D., board certified ophthalmologist, he is unique in that his ophthalmic training has led to extensive experience in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.  He can not only treat vision conditions and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, but he can remove excess skin on your eyelids, a procedure known as upper eyelid blepharoplasty, to drastically improve your peripheral vision and to reduce fatigue from heavy eyelids.  This immense training and over 23 years of experience in overall eye health and cosmetic practices, leads to a unique perspective for an overall evaluation of your eye health and quality of life.

In serving Phoenix's West Valley and the Sun Cities communities for well over 23 years, Dr. Justo has established three unique practices in Sun City, Sun City West, and Wickenburg to address the eye care needs of the local population.