When you need to see an eye doctor, you may not know what type of professional to see. Optician, optometrist, ophthalmologist: After all, their names sound very similar. And they all help your eyes, right?

Yes. And….

Each type of eye care professional has different training and plays a different role in your vision care. Here are the three main kinds of eye care providers, their training, and when to see them. 

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Optometrists

What Do Optometrists Do?

Think of optometrists as your primary care provider of eye health. They handle most routine eye needs. They examine and diagnose some diseases and disorders of the eye. According to the American Optometric Association, about 85% of all primary eye health care in the U.S. is provided by optometrists. 

Optometrists don’t perform surgery, though. Instead, they’ll refer you to an ophthalmologist. Optometrists also recommend specialists if more advanced treatment is needed.

What Training Do Optometrists Have?

Optometrists must have a bachelor’s degree and then complete four years of professional education and clinical training at a college of optometry. This earns them a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. After graduating, some optometrists pursue further training in fields like pediatrics or a particular eye disease.

What Services Do Optometrists Provide? 

Optometrists provide a wide range of services. They:

• Perform comprehensive eye exams
• Prescribe medications
• Prescribe eyeglasses and/or contact lenses
• Prescribe eye therapy or eye rehabilitation if needed

Optometrists are licensed by the state optometric board rather than the state medical board. Each state regulates what services and treatments optometrists (and other doctors) can provide.

Reasons to See an Optometrist 

• To update your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription
• To assess your vision if you feel like it has changed
• For comprehensive eye exams

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Ophthalmologists

What Do Ophthalmologists Do?

Ophthalmologists are specialized physicians. They cover all of the routine services offered by optometrists. In addition, they provide more advanced medical help and perform surgery. Ophthalmologists can be general or specialize in areas such as pediatrics or parts of the eye (like a retinal specialist). You should see an ophthalmologist (not an optometrist) when you have diseases that affect the eye or require specialized care, such as eye laser treatment or surgery.

What Training Do Ophthalmologists Have?

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs) with specialized training. They must have a bachelor’s degree and eight years of clinical coursework and training. This includes four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and three years of residency. Some ophthalmologists continue with a one- to two-year fellowship training for even more advanced training. 

What Services Do Ophthalmologists Provide?

Ophthalmologists can do everything an optometrist can. In addition, they:

• Treat eye-related issues due to complex medical conditions, such as glaucoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or high blood pressure.
• Perform eye surgeries and procedures to address vision correction, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, trauma, and more.
• Conduct scientific research related to the eye.

The state medical board licenses ophthalmologists for the practice of medicine.

Reasons to See an Ophthalmologist 

• Routine vision care like comprehensive eye exams or updating your glasses or contact lens prescription. (Note that you can also do this with an optometrist when complex vision problems are absent.)
• To diagnose and manage more advanced eye problems like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
• When you are managing a chronic condition that can affect your vision, like diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
• For eye surgery, including cataracts, vision correction (like LASIK and others), and retinal issues.
• Have experienced trauma affecting the eye or acute or sub-acute vision change.
• Seek an expert opinion from a healthcare provider who has completed terminal training in eye care.

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Opticians

What Do Opticians Do?

Options help you find the right eyeglasses and contact lenses. Opticians can’t diagnose or treat your vision problems. They also cannot provide eye exams or prescriptions for glasses or contacts. Instead, opticians take the prescription you receive from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and help you find the right eyewear. Opticians typically work in an eye doctor’s office or in a retail setting. When you get a comprehensive eye exam, you will likely see both an optometrist or ophthalmologist and an optician. 

What Training Do Opticians Have?

The requirements to become an optician vary by state. Opticians must complete a one- to two-year technical or certificate program, a two-year associate degree program, or a four-year apprenticeship program. Many states require opticians to hold a license, which may require passing a licensing exam.

What Services Do Opticians Provide?

Opticians:

• Help you find and get fitted for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or prescription sunglasses.
• Adjust and repair eyeglass frames.
• Take facial measurements.
• Manage eyewear orders and inventory.
• Take on some administrative services as well, sometimes, like making appointments and handling insurance payments.

Reasons to See an Optician

• Selecting new eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Changing the type of contacts or glasses you currently use
• Adjusting or repairing glasses
• Asking questions about eyewear, including cleaning and maintenance

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Bottom Line

‍Optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians have different responsibilities, titles, and levels of training. But they all share the goal of helping you to see well and keep your eyes healthy.