Optometrist vs. ophthalmologist?

Absolutely

I think that it would be in your best interest to see an ophthalmologist because they are doctors and an optometrist isn’t, they’re allowed to be called doctors, having said that, it’s your eyes and you don’t want anything overlooked. I speak from experience having made the mistake of listening to the advice from an optometrist, thankfully I have good instincts and I decided to get another opinion from a ophthalmologist and found out that I was very close to losing my eyesight because I had a torn retina, thank God for following my instincts, best wishes.

@sallyvic

I was diagnosed several years ago with dry AMD. I went to an Ophthalmologist at an eye clinic. She referred me to a retina specialist within the clinic who I have been seeing ever since. I developed macular edema in one eye so I need injections every 3 months in that eye.
If you have a reputable EyeClinic near you , ask for an Ophthalmologist first who may refer you to a retina specialist within the clinic.. If not, then I would go straight to a retina specialist .

FL Mary

Of course. See an Opthamologist. But to be fair, for me, I have two Opthamologist and one optometrist. The optometrist is the best of the bunch.

Only see a retina specialist for AMD. Get yearly OCT scans at the retina doctor's office at least, I go twice a year to the specialist for intermediate dry AMD. This eye condition can progress without your knowing it, that's why you look at the Amsler chart to see if your eyes are seeing more wavy or distorted lines and get OCT exams. If your eye needs injections or you develop other macula problems like you have or a macular hole the retina specialist is the MD you see. Watch out for cataract surgery and how it affects AMD. I paid out of pocket for computer assist cataract surgery not paid for by Medicare and I could not get the advanced lens because of intermediate dry AMD. Not sure I would pay extra $ for computer assist again if I had it to do over again but the retina specialist remarked unsolicited that he did a good job. I guess he must see the aftermath of bad cataract surgeries and yes my eyesight was improved. I go to a specialist low vision optometrist for eye glasses for driving. I still have an unrestricted drivers license. I wear prism glasses, a base prescription with an escoop over it to drive. I wear just over the counter eyeglasses to read. Only use a corneal surgeon, an ophthalmologist who is experienced in transplantation procedures for cataract surgery. Because I take extra care I have no problems except driving issues with my dry intermediate AMD after ten years of having the condition and my two OCT scans were unchanged 2025 and show no progression. I do much more than average by way of supplements and even take one prescription to try delay the inevitable AMD progression. You are aware cataracts grow and if you advance to the vascular form of AMD there may be a problem- the surgeon may not perform cataract surgery because of AMD. Too risky. I got my cataracts out because I want to keep driving at age 76 now until to 80 when the next DMV vision test is required for renewal and to keep my unrestricted license and cataracts are just another impediment to seeing well enough for safe driving. See this article on AMD and cataract surgery :
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/macular-degeneration-cataract-surgery-are-they-com

Always seek out the best specialist you can. Definitely a retina doctor and also I see a neuro eye doctor. She takes care of the heath of my eye. Good luck.

To add to my discussion about optometrist vs ophthalmologist... I didn't notice any vision problem beforehand until after my appointment and all the drops, etc. It's been 10 days since and my vision has seemingly gotten worse. Is it possible that the all the drops could have exacerbated additional problems?

There are currently NO FDA-approved eye drops for any stage of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
So these "drops "you were prescribed are not AMD related. Were they prescribed for further eye problems like dry eyes for instance?

It seems there is no real help for dry AMD. I have it in one eye, although no real signs yet, and a macular pucker in the other eye. The pucker is causing vision problems, but I have resisted surgery because of having to be face down afterwards, living alone, this would be a problem, I think.

The heat pads on your eyes a few times a day works. It loosens the oil glands, which then lubricate your eyes naturally. It feels so good and calming too. Good luck.