Common Optical Questions

What is an Optometrist?
Doctors of optometry are independent health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. Optometrists are state-licensed health care professionals. They prescribe glasses, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy and medications as well as perform certain surgical procedures. They hold a doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree.

What is an Optician?
Professionals in the field of designing, fitting and dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses, based on an eye doctor’s prescription. The optician may also dispense specialty lenses for particular needs as well as low-vision aids and artificial eyes.

What does a Paraoptometric do?
A paraoptometric works under the direct supervision of a licensed doctor of optometry, collects patient data, administers routine yet technical tests of the patient’s visual capabilities. The paraoptometric may assist the optometrist in providing primary patient care examination and treatment.

What is an Ophthalmologist?

A physician, doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO), who specializes in diagnoses, treats and manages all eye and visual system problems, and is licensed by a state regulatory board to practice medicine and surgery.

What does an Optometric Technician do?
Technicians work directly with optometrists in the areas of patient examination and treatment, including contact lenses, low vision, vision therapy and optical dispensing and office management. A registered optometric technician is designated by Opt. T., R., or CP for certified paraoptometric