Optometrist, Optician, Orthoptist, Ophthalmologist, Eye Doctor, Optical Dispenser? What do these people do?

The terms are all confusing and are sometimes interchanged.

Optical Dispensers/Opticians: are those with a qualification in spectacle making and optics. They do not test eyes but are experts in lens designs and the fitting of lenses to frames and the adjusting, repair and maintenance of glasses.

Ophthalmologists/Eye Doctors: are medically trained specialists who treat diseases of the eye with medications and surgery. A referral is needed from an Optometrist or Medical practitioner to see these people.

Orthoptists: assist Ophthalmologists by testing eyes of patients before they see the doctor.

Optometry literally means measuring the eye and that is what we do as Optometrists.  Through the use of specialised instruments and lenses, we determine where in your eye the light images come to a focus and if needed, we will find a way to put the picture in the right spot.

It only takes a few minutes to measure the eye (called a refraction)and by asking careful questions about your lifestyle and functional needs we can help by prescribing glasses or contact lenses, and if the need exists recommend refractive surgery, e.g. laser, LASIK, refractive lensectomy or cataract surgery.

What Makes a Good Optometrist?

Naturally if we only did a refraction we could see a lot more people, however, if we did this a lot more people would end up blind. There are many other causes of blurred vision and this is why a good Optometrist will spend time looking at the structures in and around your eye to make sure that your eyes are healthy. A good Optometrist will recognise signs that may point to eye disease or other health issues and they will be able to treat or organise treatment for you if required.

We are good Optometrists and we take your health and wellbeing very seriously. We will do a lot more tests than just a refraction and we will take the time to make sure everything is okay.