Eye Care Practitioners

Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a physician-either a medical doctor (M.D.) or a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.)- who specialize in the medical and surgical care of the eyes. Ophthalmologists are qualified to diagnose, manage and treat all optical, medical and surgical disorders of the eye and the visual system. They are skilled in all facets of eye care, from prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses to performing intricate eye surgery. Many also choose to specialize in one particular disease or portion of the eye.

Optometrist
An optometrist or Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) is a health care provider who is involved exclusively with vision problems. Optometrists are qualified to examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures; as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. They also prescribe and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Optician
Opticians are technicians who can manufacture, verify, fit and dispense contact lenses, eyeglasses and other specially fabricated optical devices upon the doctor’s written prescription. The opticians’ functions include prescription analysis and interpretation, determination of the lens forms best suited to the wearers needs, the preparation and delivery of work orders for grinding of lenses and the fabrication of eyewear, the verification of the finished ophthalmic products; and the adjustment, replacement, repair and reproduction of previously prepared ophthalmic lenses, frames and other specially fabricated ophthalmic devices.

Back To Top