The practice hampers competition and prevents consumers from shopping around for the highest quality product at the lowest price. Contact lenses are characterized as medical devices worn on the eyes. As such, consumers need a prescription to purchase them. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors licensed to practice medicine and surgery, and specializing in all aspects of eye and vision care. Most focus on the treatment of eye disease and injury, but some ophthalmologists check eyes and sell eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Optometrists are doctors of optometry.
Licensed to practice in select areas of eye and vision care, they examine eyes, diagnose eye disease, and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. Usually if surgery or medication is needed, they will refer patients to other medical specialists. In Texas, optometrists may become certified as therapeutic optometrists which enables them to prescribe medication for the treatment of eye diseases. Unlike optometrists and ophthalmologists, opticians are not doctors and therefore cannot write a prescription for corrective lenses or diagnose disease. They are technicians who fit, adjust, and sell contact lenses, glasses, and other eyewear prescribed by eye doctors.