Opticians, Optometrists, and Ophthalmologists each play an important role in eye care, but their qualifications and responsibilities differ significantly.
This guide explains what each eye care professional does, where they work, and the key differences between these careers.
| Role | Main responsibility | Medical Doctor? | Perform surgery? |
| Optician | Fits and dispenses glasses and other vision aids. | No | No |
| Optometrist | Examines eyes, tests vision, and manages certain eye conditions. | No | No |
| Ophthalmologist | Diagnoses and treats eye diseases through medical and surgical care. | Yes | Yes |
The main difference between an optician and an optometrist is that an optician fits and dispenses eyewear, while an optometrist examines patients’ eyes, tests their vision and prescribes glasses or contact lenses. Optometrists can also identify and manage certain eye conditions. Opticians work from prescriptions issued by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Optometrists and ophthalmologists can both examine the eyes and identify eye conditions. However, an ophthalmologist is a medically qualified doctor who can diagnose complex eye diseases, prescribe a broader range of treatments and perform eye surgery. An optometrist usually provides routine vision care, corrective eyewear and initial eye health assessments, referring patients to an ophthalmologist when specialist medical or surgical treatment is required.
In simple terms:
Together, these professionals protect patients’ vision and deliver high-quality eye care.
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