Optometrists also do testing to determine a patient's ability to focus and coordinate their eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately. Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye disease. As primary eye care providers, optometrists are an integral part of the health care team and an entry point into the health care system. They are skilled in the co-management of care that affects the eye health and vision of their patients and an excellent source of referral to other health care professionals. An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who after completing medical school, specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of the eye and surrounding tissue.
Most ophthalmologists are surgeons who are trained in medical and surgical treatment on the eye.
An Optician is not a doctor. Opticians can not examine the eye for ocular health, prescribe glasses, medicines or contact lenses. Opticians are generally trained in the selection on eyewear and the proper selection corrective lens types. They are also trained in the actual fabrication of the prescription lenses and fitting of contact lenses. The optician must always work with a prescription written by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.