Opticians are technicians who are trained to design, verify, and adjust lenses and frames for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision correction devices. They use prescriptions provided by eye doctors or optometrists, but they don't test vision or write prescriptions for visual correction. Opticians cannot diagnose or treat eye diseases. On the other hand, optometrists are health professionals who provide primary visual care that ranges from eye tests and corrections to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of changes in vision.
They can write prescriptions and treat certain types of eye diseases. Ophthalmologists are eye doctors who perform medical and surgical treatments for eye conditions. The biggest difference between optometrists and eye doctors is the type of training and professional preparation they receive. Optometrists are not qualified doctors; however, some optometrists can prescribe medications and treat different types of eye diseases.
Opticians are technicians who place eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision correction devices. Optometrists examine, diagnose, and treat patients' eyes. When looking for an eye doctor, it's important to know the differences between an optometrist and an eye doctor. Opticians are key to detecting silent diseases such as glaucoma.
Depending on your overall eye health or the type of vision problem, you may need specific care from each of these eye professionals. Whenever an eye problem seems complicated, the optometrist will refer the patient to an eye doctor for treatment by a specialist. Each of the eye doctors, optometrists and opticians plays an important role in providing eye care to consumers. An optometrist provides quality eye care that focuses on vision, eye health, and any changes that may suggest an underlying health problem.
