Why See an Ophthalmologist vs. an Optometrist?

At Kelly Vision in New York City and Long Island, our mission is simple: to help you see your world with complete clarity, comfort, and confidence. Choosing the right eye care provider plays a crucial role in that journey.

Lady resting her head on and looking into an eye exam scope

Your Eye Health Deserves the Highest Level of Expertise

Both ophthalmologists and optometrists play crucial roles in maintaining eye health, but their training, services, and surgical abilities vary significantly. When seeking advanced eye care, particularly surgery, it's essential to consider the experience, credentials, and technology available from your provider. By choosing Dr. James Kelly and Dr. Ashley Brissette, you are opting for two of the most accomplished ophthalmologists in the region..

Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist: What’s the Difference?

Optometrists

Optometrists are licensed to:

Perform eye exams
Prescribe glasses and contact lenses
Diagnose certain eye conditions

They are often the first stop for routine vision care.

Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs) who can do all of the above, plus:

Diagnose and treat a full range of eye diseases
Perform complex surgical procedures
Manage advanced medical conditions of the eye

Their training includes:

4 years of medical school
At least four additional years of residency in medical and surgical eye care
Optional fellowship training in subspecialties like refractive or cataract surgery

Kelly Vision ophthalmologists are board-certified, train other surgeons, and have performed tens of thousands of life-changing eye surgeries.

When to Choose an Ophthalmologist

While optometrists are invaluable for routine eye care, certain situations require an ophthalmologist's advanced training and surgical expertise. You should see an ophthalmologist if you:

Experience sudden or significant vision changes
Have persistent eye pain, redness, or swelling
Develop cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus, or other serious eye conditions
Are considering surgical vision correction (LASIK, SMILE, EVO ICL, PRK)
Require advanced treatments for dry eye disease or corneal disorders
Need removal of growths such as pterygium

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Meet Our Ophthalmologists

James Kelly, MD

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist | Eye Surgeon | Director of Refractive Surgery Education, Northwell Health

Dr. Kelly’s personal journey with laser vision correction over 20 years ago fuels his passion for helping patients experience the same life-changing clarity.

Dr. James Kelly's Credentials

His highlighted credentials include:

30+ years in surgical practice
50,000 LASIK/SMILE/PRK procedures performed
15,000 cataract surgeries performed
Trained at Columbia University, Cornell University Medical College, and The Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital
Nationally certified surgical instructor for Alcon and STAAR EVO ICL
Industry collaborator with Johnson & Johnson, Staar Surgical, and Alcon
Named Top Doctor in New York; trusted by physicians, eye surgeons, celebrities, and high-profile personalities
Featured in VOGUE, Allure, HuffPost, Parade, CNET, Ophthalmology Times, and on FOX & Friends, Good Day New York, and more

Ashley Brissette, MD, MSC FRCSC

Double Board-Certified Ophthalmologist | Eye Surgeon | Ophthalmologist for the New York Rangers

Dr. Brissette is known for her precision, warmth, and ability to combine cutting-edge techniques with a profoundly personal approach to care.

Dr. Ashley Brissette's Credentials

Her highlighted credentials include:

Certified by both the American Board of Ophthalmology and the Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Degrees from McGill University, Queen’s University, and Cornell University
Master’s degree in Medical Education
Over a decade of surgical experience in cataract surgery, LASIK, EVO ICL, and dry eye treatment
Ophthalmologist for professional athletes and celebrities
Recognized New York City Super Doctor and Top Doctor
First Guiding Ophthalmologist for Clinique cosmetics brand
Featured on The TODAY Show, WIRED, VOGUE, Allure, Daily Mail, People, and more

Our Surgical & Medical Services

Refractive Surgery including LASIK, SMILE, PRK, EVO ICL
Cataract Surgery, laser-assisted, with premium intraocular lens options
Corneal Treatments such as cross-linking for keratoconus, pterygium removal
Customized therapies targeting the root causes of dry eye diseases
Advanced diagnostic and surgical solutions for glaucoma management

See the Difference an Ophthalmologist Can Make

Your eyes deserve the highest level of medical and surgical expertise. Dr. James Kelly and Dr. Ashley Brissette provide exactly that, combining advanced training and decades of experience for truly personalized care.