Do you know the difference between an optician, an optometrist and an ophthalmologist? We know that these terms can sometimes be confusing! Although they all work in the field of optics, everyone of them has a very different role and an expertise of their own. It can sometimes be confusing when it comes time to contacting one of these professionals. So, here are some ways to distinguish them.
The Optician
The optician has a College diploma, obtained after a 3-year program. Their role consists of advising you during the process of purchasing of your glasses. The optician will ask you some questions to determine your style in order to be able to offer you the best possible options of frames that will be adapted to the shape of your face and to your prescription. For example, a person who is severely nearsighted might not be able to wear oversized glasses because their eyes will look very small through the lenses. The optician can also advise you on the type of lenses that suits you best according to your activities. Glasses are so much more than just the frames: the lenses will allow you to see better and to be comfortable. Your IRIS optician will help you fill out your IRIS Profile to get to know your personnality, daily activities and budget.
The optician deals with the manufacturing, adjustment and repair of glasses or other related accessories according to the prescriptions produced by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
The Optometrist
They are the ones you will see when you go for an annual eye exam. They are able to screen for any visual problems and if necessary, refer you to other healthcare professionals. The optometrist is also able to advise you on the purchase of your frames, sunglasses and contact lenses. They receive a PHD in optometry, after completing a five-year university program.
In other words, the optometrist can calculate your prescription and ensure its accuracy year after year and diagnose various diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. In emergency situations, they can also extract foreign objects from your eye.
The Ophthalmologist
Finally, if your optometrist diagnoses a problem that requires more follow-up, he will refer you to an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are specialized eye-surgeons and therefore eye-doctors. They are the ones who operate our patients with cataracts and that practice laser-refractive surgery to free you from your glasses.
At IRIS, all of our professionals take part in regular training to stay abreast of trends in frames, lenses and related technologies. Come and meet them! They are here to meet your needs and to help you experience better vision!
