Optician vs Optometrists
It is important to know the difference between an optician and an optometrist. They may seem to have the same meaning, but they both have different roles to be played. People often confuse both terms and end up getting the wrong consultation. There should be no compromise on your eyecare, that's why you need to know their difference. This article guides you to differentiate opticians and Optometrists.
What do you know about Optometrists?
Optometrists are certified professionals who are responsible for examining, diagnosing and prescribing the medicines. Compared to Opticians, they have a proper degree of Doctor of Optometry (OD) that helps you to differentiate both terms. When a patient comes for a visit, they examine their eyes, diagnose the problem if they have any and prescribe the right lenses. For common eye problems such as glaucoma, optometrists can easily diagnose by carefully examining your eye. If you’re diagnosed with a more advanced eye condition that requires surgery, they may refer you to an ophthalmologist.
If you have a vision problem and want to get your eyes examined, optometrists should be your priority. Without compromising on their service, they make sure to prescribe the right lenses. Along with diagnosing certain eye conditions, they prescribe you the medicines specifically made for the disease. Make your appointment and get your eyes checked before it gets late.
How can you describe an Optician?
What is an optician? An optician is basically a professionally trained person who is responsible for getting the right lenses as prescribed. They help you to fit your glasses and suggest what fits you the best. Are opticians doctors? Compared to optometrists, opticians are not doctors; besides they are here to look for your prescribed eyewear. They make sure you get everything written on the prescription given by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
Besides everything, they are allowed to give open suggestions on your eyewear. Based on your prescriptions, they help you select the most comfortable frame for everyday use. Even though they do not treat any eye condition, they are experts in meeting your requirements. Do you need computer glasses? No need to get worked up as the opticians in Liverpool ensure to provide perfectly fitted blue light glasses. Highly experienced opticians never compromise on their responsibility. Their expertise in providing you with the most suitable eyewear says a lot about how dedicated they are to their profession.
Major differences between Opticians and Optometrists
To sum it up, an optometrist is responsible for diagnosing eye conditions whereas an optician selects the right lenses as prescribed. Here are some of the important differences that help you define both.
- A simple diploma of 2 years is required after which they will be able to help you select the right lens. Optometrists are professional doctors with a degree of OD responsible for diagnosing eye conditions such as glaucoma. It takes a maximum of 5-6 years to complete the Doctor of Optometry for doing a professional eye examination.
- Opticians are not allowed to perform any eye examination besides they are responsible for providing the right lens as prescribed. They help to fit your glasses and suggest the latest designs that suit you the most. The optometrist does the proper eye examination and finds out if you have any eye condition. From diagnosing vision problems to prescribing medication, an optometrist plays a vital role in eye care.
- Optometrists have great expertise in diagnosing the disease as they are highly qualified. They have done a lot of practice to avoid any mishaps in their professional field. Opticians require a little effort as compared to optometrists as they are more inclined towards choosing the right eyewear. They prioritize your comfort.
Are Opticians a doctor?
The most commonly asked questions among people are optician doctors? They both are doing their jobs but as explained earlier, they are not doctors as they don’t have the degree required for this profession. They can either work separately having their own store or work next to an optometrist to provide guidance. To get certified, they have to complete a 6-year program of Doctor of Optometry (OD). To maintain your eyecare, always visit an optometrist and for the right lens selection, consult an optician.
FAQ
When to see an optician?
If you have a prescription from an optometrist, you can visit and consult an optician. He will guide you to the right lens selection that fits your face shape.
Can opticians prescribe?
Opticians are not professionals to perform eye examinations so they cannot prescribe any medicine. They can give suggestions by reading your prescription. Optometrists or ophthalmologists are responsible for prescribing medications.
Who is the highest level of doctor?
The highest level of doctor who does advanced eye problem diagnosis is an Ophthalmologist. As optometrists are doctors of optometry, Ophthalmologists must hold an MD degree to further perfume higher examination.