In addition, ophthalmologists can diagnose general diseases of the body and treat ocular manifestations of systemic diseases. Optometrists Optometrists are licensed healthcare providers who have completed four years of undergraduate work and four years of optometry school. They can perform eye exams, prescribe and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses, and diagnose vision disorders and eye disease.
Optometrists can prescribe medications to treat certain eye diseases.
Opticians Opticians are technicians who have graduated from a two-year program at a community or technical college. They are qualified to make, fit, and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses, either in an optical laboratory or for retail sale to the public. Opticians do not perform patient examinations or write prescriptions for eye correction or medication.