This section provides a description of what an optometrist, ophthalmologist and an optician does.
Optometrists (or doctors of optometry, O.D. in the U.S.A.), are primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. They examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Optometrists also do testing to determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately. They prescribe contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases as well as perform certain surgical procedures.
An ophthalmologist is a physician (doctor of medicine, MD, or doctor of osteopathy, DO) who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system and in the prevention of eye disease and injury. An ophthalmologist is a medically trained specialist who can deliver total eye care: primary, secondary and tertiary (i.e., vision services, contact lenses, eye examinations, medical eye care and surgical eyecare), diagnose general diseases of the body and treat ocular manifestations of systemic diseases.
Dispensing opticians fill prescriptions, issued by ophthalmologists and optometrists for corrective eyewear, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids and ocular prostheses. Manufacturing opticians make the eyeglasses and contact lenses to the specifications.
