Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are different from optometrists and opticians in their training and in what they can diagnose and treat.

As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery.

An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Optometrist

An optometrist is a doctor of optometry, licensed to practice optometry.

Optometrists determine the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses, prescribe optical correction and screen for abnormalities of the eye.

In many states, optometrists can prescribe a limited number of drugs to help diagnose and treat certain eye conditions.

Optician

An optician-licensed by a state to make optical aids-fits, adjusts and dispenses eyeglasses, contact lenses and other optical devices with written prescriptions of a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.