Ophthalmologists
Optometry and Optometrists
Low Vision Specialist
Orthoptist
Optician
What is ophthalmology?
What is an ophthalmologist?
- An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic physician who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and the prevention of eye disease. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats refractive, medical, and surgical problems related to eye diseases and disorders.
- Ophthalmologists are licensed by state regulatory boards to practice medicine and surgery, as well as deliver routine eye care.
- An ophthalmologist will have the initials "M.D." (Doctor of Medicine) or "D.O." (Doctor of Osteopathy) after his or her name.
- What is optometry?
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What is an optometrist?
- An optometrist is a health care professional who specializes in function and disorders of the eye, detection of eye disease, and some types of eye disease management. An optometrist conducts eye examinations, prescribes corrective contact lenses and glasses, and diagnoses and treats eye diseases and disorders.
- Optometrists are licensed by state regulatory boards that determine their scope of practice, which may vary from state to state.
- An optometrist will have the initials "O.D." (Doctor of Optometry) after his or her name.
Low Vision Specialist
- Many optometrists and some ophthalmologists have additional credentials or specialization in low vision testing, diagnosis, and treatment, and are trained to conduct low vision eye examinations and prescribe special low vision optical devices.
- If you're experiencing significant vision loss, a low vision specialist can determine whether special optical and non-optical devices, improved lighting, or other types of specialized services and equipment can help make the best use of your remaining vision.
- You can find a listing of low vision specialists in the "Low Vision Services" category in the Vision Aware Directory of Services.
Orthoptist
- An orthoptist is a certified allied health professional who works under the supervision of an ophthalmologist to evaluate and treat disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision (using both eyes to see) and eye movement problems.
- Orthoptists most commonly work in pediatric ophthalmology settings.
- An orthoptist has a bachelor's degree in addition to a post-graduate two-year orthoptic fellowship in an accredited program.
- For more information, you can visit the American Association of Certified Orthoptists website.
Optician
- An optician is a health professional who is trained to supply, prepare, and dispense optical appliances through interpretation of written prescriptions. An optician fits and finishes eyeglass lenses and frames and may also dispense low vision devices, contact lenses, and artificial eyes.
- Opticians typically learn job skills through formal on-the-job programs. This training includes technical instruction in measuring eyes or adjusting frames under the supervision of an experienced optician.
- A number of community colleges and technical schools offer formal education in opticianry. Some award a two-year associate degree, while others offer a one-year certificate.
- Twenty-three U.S. states require licensure for opticians.
- For more information, you can visit the Opticians Association of America website.
- Opticianedu.org provides information about education, internship, and licensure requirements to maintain Dispensing Optician credentials.
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