The medical profession can be a bit tough to navigate with all the jargon. This is as true for eyecare as it is for internal medicine. There are many types of eye doctors with distinct duties and educations, so it’s important to understand the key differences. Our patients often ask about various specialists and what they do every day. Here we explore the roles of an optician vs optometrist in detail. 

Optician vs Optometrist 

When you walk into our practice, there are two types of eye specialists that you may interact with: opticians and optometrists. Many people don’t realize the differences between them and often use the terms interchangeably. However, these are two distinct professions with precise roles and backgrounds. 

When most people say “doctor,” they’re referring to a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). However, this term generally applies to anyone who earns a doctorate degree, such as a Ph.D. Individuals can earn doctoral degrees in anything from physics and engineering to history, statistics, and political science. This overlap tends to cause some confusion when discussing many specialized professions. 

An optician isn’t actually a doctor by definition. They rarely hold a doctoral degree, which is partly why they’re unable to diagnose eye conditions and prescribe medication. Opticians are instead responsible for interpreting an optometrist’s prescriptions, as well as taking measurements and helping patients select the best eyewear for their needs. 

Technically, optometrists are “doctors” because they earn a Doctor of Optometry degree. However, they usually aren’t medical doctors unless they also hold an M.D. An optometrist is an eye doctor that oversees patients’ specific vision needs. They often conduct vision exams and look for common conditions such as glaucoma, astigmatism, and retinopathy. Optometrists are also responsible for writing prescriptions for medications and corrective lenses. 

An ophthalmologist, by contrast, is a medical doctor who specializes in eyecare. They typically earn an M.D. before pursuing specialized postgraduate training. This allows them to diagnose diseases, prescribe medications, as well as perform eye surgeries. 

What Does an Optician Do?

Though opticians aren’t doctors, they’re still an essential part of any eyecare practice. Since they won’t be diagnosing or performing your eye exam, you may wonder what they do. An optician is often who you’ll see when you go to be fitted with glasses or contacts. 

They work to make sure that your glasses or contacts closely match your prescription. They will also use special equipment to measure things like the size of your eyes, pupillary distance, and vertex distance. These measurements ensure that your corrective lenses fit properly and are comfortable. Opticians will also advise you on certain features such as lens coatings, frame styles, and specialized types of lenses. 

Most opticians don’t need a professional or even an undergraduate degree. Instead, they typically complete a specialized program, often either a certification or associate degree. There they study things like optical theory, eye physiology, lens technology, and laboratory techniques. 

Eyecare at Oculi Vision

The various terms and jargon in eyecare can be confusing for many patients. You’ll typically interact with two eyecare professionals at Oculi Vision: opticians and optometrists. While there is some overlap between their duties, their education and technical expertise are quite different. 

An optometrist like Dr. Layton will conduct eye exams, diagnose conditions, and write prescriptions. Meanwhile, an optician will help fit you for glasses and contact lenses. Both have specialized roles and play a major part in the provision of patients’ eyecare. If you still have questions about the differences between types of eye doctors, feel free to give us a call for more information. We’ll gladly explain the distinctions and help you choose the right professional for your unique needs.