Opticians, Optometrists, Ophthalmologists… What’s the Difference?!
Opticians
Are licensed professionals trained to help you see better – whether you’re near or far-sighted, or have low vision due to more complex eye health issues.
Registered opticians are specially trained to provide optical services including vision tests, design, fit, and dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, and prosthetic ocular devices.
They interpret written prescriptions from ophthalmologists (medical doctors) and optometrists to determine the specifications of ophthalmic appliances necessary to correct a person’s eyesight.
Optometrists
Are health care providers who specialize in the examination, diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of disease and disorders of the visual system.
Ophthalmologists
Are highly trained eye physicians and surgeons. They are licensed medical specialists in eye and vision care, surgery and medical interventions, and the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of serious eye disease.