When looking for quality eye care, you need to visit the right eye care professional. Your eye care need may be medical, such as cataract removal, or technical, like getting fitted for a new pair of contact lenses or eyeglasses.

 

The Difference Between an Optometrist and an Optician

Many people use the terms optometrist and optician interchangeably. However, you need to understand that each of these specialties has specific skill sets and educational requirements. Each provides different levels of care.

 

Who Are Optometrists?

They are primary eye care providers who can perform eye exams, treat various eye conditions, and write prescriptions. Their services range from managing changes in vision to testing, diagnosing, and treating eye diseases. It takes roughly four years of postgraduate studies to get a doctorate in optometry from optometry school.

 

Depending on the curriculum and school, the training program will include case studies and client case history. It also includes basic and advanced eye exam techniques, as well as additional training in the natural sciences, including pharmacology and optics. The program also includes clinical training as a resident during the final one to two years.

 

What Do Optometrists Do?

Optometrists perform the following functions:

 

• They provide vision therapy and low-vision aids
   

• They perform vision tests and eye exams
   

• They treat and manage conditions such as glaucoma and dry eye syndrome
   

• They monitor eye conditions related to diseases such as diabetes
   

• They prescribe and fit contact lenses and eyeglasses
   

Often, optometrists and ophthalmologists work together to take care of patients.

 

Opticians

Opticians are not eye doctors. This means that they should not give eye exams. To become an optician, you need a one- or two-year certificate, diploma, or degree. The role of an optician is to fill the prescriptions patients get from their eye doctors. They also do the following:

 

• Take facial measurements
   

• Check lens prescriptions
   

• Order and check eyeglass and contact lenses
   

• Help patients choose the best frames and lenses
   

• Provide, repair, and adjust frames, glasses, and contact lenses
  
   

Opticians perform their services at a local vision care center or an optometrist’s office. People with vision problems can visit an optician for the refilling of prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses and routine care. They can also provide answers to common eye care questions and concerns. However, you need to understand that they cannot examine, diagnose, or treat any eye disease.

 

How to Choose the Right Eye Care Practitioner

Choosing an eye care provider will depend on the services you need. If you are planning to undergo routine eye care, like a yearly eye exam, you need to visit an optometrist. The same applies if you need to refill your eye medication, contact lens, or eyeglass prescription.

 

If you need surgical and/or medical treatment for a serious eye condition, you need to visit an ophthalmologist. They specialize in treating and managing conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. If you need a contact lens or eyeglass prescription adjusted or filled, visit an optician at your optometrist’s office.


 

To learn more about optometrists and opticians or to schedule an appointment, call Premier Eye Care at our office in Fort Worth, Texas at (817) 428-2020 today.