What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician?

The TruAssure / EyeMed Vision Care network consists of: • Ophthalmologists (MD or DO): Physicians who specialize in the treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye. Ophthalmologists are qualified to provide comprehensive eye examinations, treat and manage conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, and perform eye surgery. • Optometrists (ODs): Doctors of Optometry are primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage conditions and some diseases of the human eye and visual system. Optometrists are qualified to provide comprehensive eye examinations. • Registered Dispensing Opticians (RDO): Opticians registered with the state Medical Board who sell, dispense and/or fabricate eyeglasses in accordance with the prescriptions of optometrists and ophthalmologists. Opticians are not qualified to provide eye examinations. ... more

• Ophthalmologists (MD or DO): Physicians who specialize in the treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye. Ophthalmologists are qualified to provide comprehensive eye examinations, treat and manage conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, and perform eye surgery. • Optometrists (ODs): Doctors of Optometry are primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage conditions and some diseases of the human eye and visual system. Optometrists are qualified to provide comprehensive eye examinations. • Registered Dispensing Opticians (RDO): Opticians registered with the state Medical Board, who sell, dispense and/or fabricate eyeglasses in accordance with the prescriptions of optometrists and ophthalmologists. Opticians are not qualified to provide eye examinations. ... more

An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine specializing in the anatomy, function and diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems. Ophthalmologists attend four years of medical school and one year of internship, and then spend a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During residency, ophthalmologists receive special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions anddiseases. Often, an ophthalmologist spends an additional one to two years training in a subspecialty, that is, a specific area of eye care (for example, retinal diseases, ... more

An ophthalmologist is a physician (medical doctor) who specializes in the function and treatment of the eye. Ophthalmologists conduct examinations to determine the quality of vision and the need for corrective glasses or contact lenses. They also check for the presence of any disorders, such as glaucoma (disease of the eyeball that causes loss of vision) or cataracts (opaque—or solid-colored—areas on the lens of the eye). Ophthalmologists may prescribe glasses and contact lenses, medication, or perform surgery, as necessary. An optometrist is a specialist trained to examine the eyes and to prescribe, supply, and adjust glasses or contact lenses. Because they are not medical doctors, optometrists may not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. An optometrist refers patients requiring these types of treatment to an... ... more