A Guide to the Different Types of Eye Care Professionals

When making an appointment with an eye doctor, there are three main types of eye care professionals you may encounter – opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. Each practitioner has a different level of expertise and training, and each provides different levels of medical eye care.

Opticians

An optician is trained to prepare and dispense optical appliances. He or she fits and finishes frames and lenses, and may dispense artificial eyes and other low vision devices. The training of an optician includes technical instruction in measuring eyes and altering frames under the supervision of an optician.

A number of technical schools and community colleges offer education in opticianry. Some award a one-year certificate while others may offer a two-year associate degree.

Optometrists

An optometrist specializes in the functions and disorders of the eye. He or she conducts eye examinations, prescribes corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and treats eye diseases. A lot of respected optometrists are also involved in scientific research into the cures for – and causes of – a range of vision-related problems.

To become an optometrist, one must complete a four-year postgraduate program in optometry school. Some practitioners go on to finish one- to two-year residencies in a specific sub-specialty area, such as neuro-optometry, specialty contact lens or ocular disease.

Ophthalmologists

An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in the surgical care of the eyes. He or she prescribes medications, diagnoses and treats eye diseases, and performs all types of surgery to improve vision-related conditions. Like optometrists, ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research into the causes of and cures for eye diseases.

To become an ophthalmologist, one must complete four years of medical school, one year of internship and at least three years of residency in ophthalmology.

For over 40 years, our professional team at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry has been providing patients with top-notch eye care. Our specialties include vision therapy, low vision evaluations, LASIK consultations, dry eye treatment and orthokeratology. To learn more, call us today at (703) 660-9494, or fill out our online appointment request form.