They also refer, if necessary, to your family doctor who may in turn refer you on to a hospital. Optometrists are not qualified to treat or operate on people's eyes, although they will often discuss your eye condition with you. They can also provide advice on eye care and may help with low vision aids . Dispensing opticians are qualified to fit and supply glasses and contact lenses, and low vision aids. They are not qualified to prescribe glasses or to test sight.
Orthoptists usually work in the hospital eye departments.
They are qualified to identify and treat certain eye conditions such as squints or double vision. They may prescribe glasses although they do not fit and supply them. They diagnose and treat eye defects and disease through surgery, drug treatment and other types of medical care. Ophthalmic nurses receive special training in eye conditions and diseases on top of their general training. If you think you have a sight problem you should first go to your optician or family doctor.