What Is The Difference Between An Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, and Optician?

If you are having a hard time differentiating between the Ophthalmologist, Optometrist and Optician, you are not alone. Here’s an easy way to remember what each of these eye care professionals does. 

An ophthalmologist would be the equivalent of your surgeon, and is a medical doctor that specializes in the human eye. The ophthalmologist deals with the anatomy, physiology, and disease of the eye. The ophthalmologist will monitor conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma especially if you have a family history of eye disease, perform ocular surgeries, or prescribe medications to maintain eye health. Like other health specialists, referrals are generally required to see an ophthalmologist. Referrals can be done through your family doctor or your optometrist. An ophthalmologist can do everything an optometrist or an optician can do.

An optometrist would be the equivalent of your family doctor, and has a general knowledge of the eye. With regularly scheduled checkups, the optometrist maintains the health of your eyes and check for changes to your prescription. During your regular visit, the optometrist checks for visual acuity, field of vision, ocular pressure, and ocular diseases. The optometrist will prescribe a corrective prescription if you having difficulties seeing from a distance or reading, and will refer you to an eye specialist (Ophthalmologist) if needed. An optometrist can do anything an optician can do.

An optician would be the equivalent of your pharmacist. The optician is the professional that dispenses and verifies your eyewear prescriptions written by the optometrist or ophthalmologist. A registered optician will ensure that your prescription glasses are measured and fitted correctly and that your prescriptions are being filled to regulated standards just like the pharmacist verifies your drug prescription is accurate. The optician will also ensure that your contact lenses are being fitted properly and worn safely. The optician provides lenses for the correction of vision defects and dispenses eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, and specialty glasses such as safety glasses, sunglasses, sports glasses, and swimming goggles.