They specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the eyes. They can prescribe drugs, perform examinations and eye surgery, and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses. Though they are not medical doctors, they can examine eyes for vision problems and eye diseases and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses. State law determines the extent to which optometrists may diagnose and treat eye diseases and prescribe drugs, and laws vary from state to state. In states where optometrists are not permitted to provide certain treatments, they will normally refer you to an ophthalmologist or other appropriate medical practitioner for such treatments.
Opticians fill prescriptions for eye wear written by ophthalmologists and optometrists.
They may not examine eyes or prescribe lenses. They dispense eyeglasses and in some states are permitted to fit and dispense contact lenses. About half the states require opticians to be licensed. It may be difficult to predict the quality of the eye care, eye wear, and related services you will receive. Studies show that price and the type of practitioner are not necessarily indications of quality.