1.
What is the difference between an OPTOMETRIST, OPHTHALMOLOGIST,
and OPTICIAN?
The two main differences between these three professions
are education and scope of practice.
Today’s doctors of optometry, OPTOMETRISTS,
have completed a Bachelor of Science degree and a four-year
Doctor of Optometry degree at an accredited university’s
School of Optometry. An optometrist is educated, clinically
trained and licensed to:
- Examine, assess, measure and diagnose disorders and diseases
of the human visual system, the eye and its associated structures,
as well as recognize related systemic conditions.
- Prescribe and provide treatment, management and correction,
including, but not limited to, the dispensing and fitting
of corrective lenses (eye glasses and contact lenses), vision
therapy, low vision therapy, prescribing of topical medications
to treat anterior segment disorders, removal of foreign
bodies, referral to medical specialists for treatment of
systemic disease or eye surgery, and co-management of ocular
diseases with ophthalmologists.
- Conduct research and promote education in the visual sciences.
An OPHTHALMOLOGIST is a medical doctor who,
in addition to a Bachelor Degree and 4 years of Medical School
at an accredited university, has completed a residency in
medical and surgical care of the eyes in an accredited hospital.
Most ophthalmologists specialize in secondary and tertiary
treatment of eye diseases and disorders, including the surgical
correction of some ocular problems.
An OPTICIAN designs, finishes, fits and
dispenses eye glasses and contact lenses, based on a prescription
from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Opticians develop
their skills by working in an optical dispensary while completing
a two-year independent home study program which is supplemented
with one evening lecture per month at NAIT or SAIT, and two
compulsory lab sessions per year. An additional two-year program
of home study and work experience must be undertaken before
an optician can be licensed to fit and dispense contact lenses. |
