Optometrists
Optometrists, or doctors of optometry (OD), are primary
healthcare providers who examine, diagnose, treat and
manage disorders of the eye and the visual system. They
may diagnose related systemic conditions. They perform
vision services such as examining the internal and
external structure of the eye to diagnose conditions
like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and
presbyopia. They diagnose and treat eye diseases such as
glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, and retinal
disorders. They perform minor surgical procedures such
as removing foreign objects from the eye. Optometrists
do testing to determine the patient's ability to focus,
coordinate the eyes, judge depth and see colors
accurately. They prescribe corrective glasses, contact
lenses, low-vision aids, and vision therapy. With
variances by state, they may be licensed to dispense
topical medicines and/or medications.
Ophthalmologists
An ophthalmologist is a physician - a medical doctor or
doctor of osteopathic medicine (MD or DO) - who
specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes
and the visual system. An ophthalmologist is a medically
trained specialist who performs the same services as an
optometrist plus prescribes topical and oral
medications, performs medical and surgical eyecare,
diagnoses general diseases of the body, and treats
ocular manifestations of diseases of other systems of
the body.
Opticians
Dispensing opticians fill corrective eyewear
prescriptions issued by ophthalmologists and
optometrists. This includes glasses, contacts,
low-vision aids and ocular prostheses. They work in
various settings such as eyewear retail locations and
optical outlets within eye doctors' offices. Opticians
help patients choose the best eyewear solutions, take
measurements and make adjustments to achieve proper fit,
and instruct patients on lens care.
Manufacturing opticians make the glasses and contact
lenses to the prescribed specifications.
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