Who's Who in the Eye Care Professionals?
You may be a little confused by all the different titles of people working in eye care. Hopefully, the following descriptions will help:
Optometrists or Ophthalmic Opticians
Optometrists or Ophthalmic Opticians are often called Opticians and usually work in high street practices / shops or hospital eye departments. They are qualified to test your eyes, prescribe glasses and detect eye conditions. If necessary, they will refer you to your GP (family doctor) who may in turn refer you on to a hospital.
Optometrists are not qualified to treat or operate on people's eyes. They can also provide advice on eye care and may help with low vision aids.
Dispensing Opticians
Dispensing Opticians are qualified to fit and supply glasses, contact lenses and low vision aids.
Orthoptists
Orthoptists usually work in hospital eye departments. They are qualified to identify and treat certain eye conditions such as squints or double vision.
Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologists are specialist eye doctors who treat eye disorders and usually work in hospital eye (ophthalmology) departments or clinics. They may prescribe glasses but they do not fit and supply them. They diagnose and treat eye defects and diseases through medications or surgery.
Ophthalmic Nurses
Ophthalmic Nurses are specially trained in eye conditions and diseases in addition to their general nursing training.
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