When having our eyes cared for, there are different people we can make an appointment with. We may hear the different titles and wonder what the difference is and what each one does. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians are all working in the field of eye care but in different ways and to different levels. So, what do they do, and how can I find an optician, ophthalmologist or optometrist near me?
Let’s start with an optician. If you go to a vision care store on the high street or to an optometrist’s office, likely the first person you will see is an optician. Their role is quite customer serviced based. While training in eye care is involved, their role is more for routine eye care. They will help you with your glasses, measuring them and fitting and adjusting them to fit you properly. They can help you find frames to suit you if you need assistance. They will also help with general office work around the store. What you will not find them doing is examining, diagnosing or treating any eye conditions.
So, what about an ophthalmologist? This is an entirely different role. They are medical doctors with years and years of training. Ophthalmologist’s can perform similar duties to an optometrist, but they can and do also perform surgeries on the eyes for various eye conditions or diseases or problems. As they are uniquely qualified, surgical cases are what they mainly focus on. They will also help with rehabilitation care after surgery.
Now then, what about an optometrist? As we’ve hinted at above, the role is similar in some ways to an ophthalmologist. They can perform some surgical procedures but are more limited in what they can do. They will also do regular eye examinations, give prescriptions for glasses or other treatments for eye conditions. They can diagnose eye conditions and they can provide eye care post-surgery. Unlike an ophthalmologist, they are not medical doctors. Optometrists are on the frontline of eye care and the person you will likely see if you have any concerns or for your routine checks.
To find out where any of the above are near you requires a quick search on the internet. But to make sure you are getting the best care you can be sure to do some research. Look for a place with a good reputation and a lot of experience. Read through the reviews and testimonials to see what other people think and where they recommend.
