Who's Who in Eye Care

In order to properly fulfill the vision care needs of all patients, three distinct eye care fields have evolved. We will now define these professions and examine the responsibilities of each.

A. What is an Optometrist?

A Doctor of Optometry is a health care professional who specializes in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of conditions or impairments of the vision system. Optometrists are specifically educated, clinically trained and state licensed to examine the eyes and related structures. They are also responsible for detecting the presence of vision problems, eye diseases or other abnormalities. Furthermore, Optometrists are the major providers of vision care in America.

Optometrists provide treatment by prescribing ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, or other optical aids, and provide vision therapy when indicated to preserve or restore maximum efficiency of vision. By thoroughly evaluating the internal and external structures of the eyes, doctors of optometry can detect eye diseases like glaucoma or cataract and signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and arteriosclerosis that require referral to other health care practitioners for treatment.

B. What is an Ophthalmologist?

An Ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in surgery of the eye. He also is responsible for treating eye diseases requiring medical attention. Although many patients go to ophthalmologists for routine eye examinations, most of their patients are seen for treatment of some ocular problem requiring medical treatment or surgery. Frequently these patients are referred to the ophthalmologist by Optometrists or other health care professionals, since ophthalmologists are the source of secondary vision care.

C. What is an Optician?

An Optician is an individual who is trained to properly fit and dispense eyeglasses when prescribed by either an Optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Opticians are also responsible for fabricating the lenses with the proper prescription and inserting them in a properly fit frame. Although the prescription may be accurate, proper grinding and decentration by the optician helps ensure that the patient's adjustment to his new eyeglasses will be a smooth and quick one.

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