If you’re preparing to book an eye exam, you may find yourself wondering if you need an optometrist or optician. These eye care professionals offer unique services, and patients usually see both. Below are the details that separate them so you understand the roles they play in your eye health.

Optometrist

Optometrists are what most people think of when they hear “eye doctor.” These professionals specialize in primary vision care and undergo four years of medical school training and clinical studies to achieve a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. They often complete a bachelor’s degree program and additional post-graduate training to further their knowledge base. This is because an optometrist handles everything from vision testing and correction to diagnosing and treating eye diseases and vision changes.

During your visit, the optometrist will perform a routine eye exam to test your vision. They’ll look for astigmatism, or poor vision related to eye shape; near- or farsightedness; and even eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration. Patients may also see an optometrist after eye surgery for postsurgical care or if they require medication for an eye health issue. Much like a primary care physician, patients build a long-term relationship with their optometrist and turn to them as their go-to eye care resource.

Optician

An optician specializes in eyeglasses and contact lenses. After your optometrist diagnoses an eye issue and determines the corrective prescription, the optician will help you find eyeglasses that fit comfortably. They’ll perform the same service if you’ve chosen contact lenses over glasses.

Opticians go through one to two years of associate training and continue once employed so they’re up to date on new lenses, coatings, frames, and other corrective features. This ensures they help you find a long-term solution for your vision needs and can make any adjustments during your next visit.

If you’re looking for comprehensive eye health services in the Montgomery, OH, area, the team at Eye Care Optical has all the resources you need. They employ both an optometrist and optician, and for over 40 years, patients have turned to them for corrective services. They carry a large selection of glasses, contact lenses, and vision care products, so call (513) 731-6587 to schedule an exam. Connect on Facebook for news and updates, and visit their website to learn more about the practice.