A Quick Guide: Different Types of Eye Care Professionals

Depending on your eye care needs, you might need to see an optometrist, ophthalmologist or optician. Every type of eye care professional goes through different types of training and offers different levels of care. Knowing what they do will allow you to determine who to go to if you have problems with your eyes or vision. 

Here’s a quick guide to different types of eye care professionals.

Optometrist

An optometrist tests your eyesight, diagnoses vision conditions and provides vision correction options. These professionals also help manage changes in your vision. For a person to qualify as an optometrist, the person will need to spend four years in postgraduate studies.  

Your optometrists can perform eye exams and vision testing, prescribe and provide corrective lenses, and diagnose some eye irregularities. They can prescribe medications for specific eye conditions, deliver visual rehabilitation and perform specialized surgical procedures. 

Ophthalmologist

An individual needs to attend medical school to become an ophthalmologist. After becoming an eye doctor, these pros can practice medicine and perform surgery. Ophthalmologists can deliver the same services as an optometrist, but they can diagnose and treat all eye conditions and do eye surgeries. They can also perform scientific research into what causes and can cure eye conditions and vision problems. 

Optician

A technician who designs and fits eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision correction devices is called an optician. These professionals need a prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist to create the requested eyewear. Unlike optometrists and ophthalmologists, they can’t diagnose and treat eye conditions. 

Your local optometrist, Nova Vision Center, offers a wide range of services, including pediatric vision care, treatment for eye-related illnesses and injuries, and more! Our office is well-equipped with the latest technology for treating different vision conditions. Call us at (703) 578-3600, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.