When it comes to your eye care, there are several different professionals to help you: opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists. But which is which? Who does what? Why do you need all three? Here’s a quick guide to the 3 O’s of eye care.
Optician
Opticians are trained technicians who design, fit and dispense eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices that correct vision. Opticians attend a 2 year opticianry program before taking their national boards to obtain licensure.
Optometrist
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care. An optometrist earns a doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree by completing a 4 year graduate program – they are not medical doctors and do not attend medical school. The scope of optometry primarily involves performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing corrective lenses and certain medications for eye diseases, and detecting eye abnormalities.
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who attend medical school and specialize in the eye and vision care (Eye M.D.). Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, in addition to prescribing and fitting corrective lenses for vision problems.
All three of these eye care professionals have a continued education requirement to maintain their license and keep their knowledge up to date.
Here at Williams Eye Works, opticians and optometrists work together to provide the perfect pair of eyeglasses for you!
When it comes to your eye care, there are several different professionals to help you: opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists. But which is which? Who does what? Why do you need all three? Here’s a quick guide to the 3 O’s of eye care.