Explaining Optometry can be difficult because most people are unsure of the differences between an Optician, an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist.
Primarily, the difference is in training and knowledge. The Ophthalmologist is the medical surgeon who performs complicated surgery in hospital theatres and is the highest qualified of the three. Naturally the Ophthalmologist can also do the job of an Optometrist, the next lower qualified position.
The Optometrist can write prescriptions for corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses), but can also perform minor medical procedures on the eye. Both the Ophthalmologist and the Optometrist can perform eye examinations to determine the degree of correction that needs to be prescribed. When you go for an eye test the person who you will see will be an Optometrist.
It is the Optometrist who will help you with minor eye problems such as a stuck contact lens, or perform the actual insertion of your lenses onto your eyes.
Lastly comes the Optician, and they are of course qualified to make, adjust, repair, and fit lenses and frames, and it is they who actually make your glasses.
Technically speaking when you say you’re off to see the Optician, actually you’re not. You’re going to see the Optometrist.
Tags: optometry, ophthalmologist, optometrist, optician, eye care
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