Eye Care Providers: Who Are They and What Do They Do?

Who Are Opticians, Optometrists, and Ophthalmologists?

You may have heard of opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists, but do you know what they do and how their roles differ? Understanding who these different providers are and what they do is an important part of making sure you receive the care you need. So, who are these different eye care providers and what do they do?

Getting Professional Eye Care

Getting Professional Eye Care

Getting Eye Care

Understanding eye exams and when to see an eye doctor...

Understanding eye exams and when to see an eye doctor...

Opticians

An optician is a technician who:

Interprets a written prescription provided by an optometrist or ophthalmologist
Designs, fits, and dispenses prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses to help correct a person’s vision
Educates on how to properly select, use and maintain eyeglasses and contact lenses to support long-term eye and vision health
Does not diagnose or treat eye conditions
May have completed a certification program or apprenticeship

Optometrists

An optometrist provides comprehensive eye health and vision care and is often the first point of contact for routine eye and vision care. Services in some states may vary based on state laws. They:

Conduct eye examinations
Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and medications
Diagnose, treat and manage eye diseases, disorders, and injuries
May also provide pre- and post-operative care if you have eye surgery performed by an ophthalmologist
Have earned a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree
May complete specialized residency training in eye disease, cornea and contact lenses, pediatrics, and vision rehabilitation

Ophthalmologists

An ophthalmologist is a physician who diagnoses, treats, and provides surgical care for the full range of eye conditions, from primary care to care of common and advanced eye diseases or eye injuries. They:

Perform eye surgeries to treat complex or advanced eye conditions
Conduct eye examinations
Prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses
Diagnose, treat and manage eye diseases, disorders, and injuries
Have earned either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree followed by several years of residency training in eye diseases and surgery
May complete additional specialized training through a fellowship in a subspeciality area, such as glaucoma, retina, cornea, pediatrics, neurology, and oculoplastics (plastic surgery around the eye)

Choose the Right Eye Care Provider Based on Your Needs

Do you need to schedule a routine eye exam?

Optometrist OR Ophthalmologist

Do you need a prescription for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or medication?

Optometrist OR Ophthalmologist

Do you need help filling your prescription for glasses or contact lenses?

Optician

Do you have concerns about eye conditions that may require diagnosis, treatment, or management?

Optometrist OR Ophthalmologist

Does your eye condition require eye surgery?

Ophthalmologist