Taking the Mystery Out Of the 3 O's Of Eyecare

By Douglas J. Corby, Optician and Owner of Annapolis Opticians

Annapolis Opticians

. http://www.annapolisopticians.com/

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Taking the Mystery Out Of the 3 O's Of Eyecare

Ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician these three terms cause confusion for the general public because of their similar spelling, and the fact that they all refer to eye care providers.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care. They have usually completed at least 11 years of higher education. As a medical doctor an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine, perform surgery, diagnose and treat eye disease, perform eye exams, and writing eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions. Most ophthalmologists have specialties such as cataract surgery, Lasik surgery, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal problems, corneal problems, and neurological problems.

Optometrists are also doctors who specialize in eyecare, but they are not medical doctors. Optometrists can prescribe drugs for the treatment of certain eye diseases. Mostly optometrists perform routine eye exams, prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, perform eye health check-ups and refer you to an appropriate specialist if a problem is found. Some optometrists fit eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. An optometrist will normally have completed seven years of higher education.

Opticians primarily fits, measures, adjusts, repairs, and may actually make, eyeglasses. Since eyeglasses are a combination of fashion accessory and medical equipment, your optician needs to be able to assist you in selecting frames that will meet your prescription needs, your comfort and reliability needs, and your fashion needs. Some states license opticians, and some do not. Opticians may learn their skills through apprenticeships, classes at colleges or universities, and some states have two year associate degrees. In an unlicensed state like Maryland, it would be wise to ask your optician if they are at least certified by the American Board of Opticianry (ABOC).