Selecting a good eye care provider is not a very easy task. It is a very important decision because you will entrust them with your precious sense of vision.
So, the first and most important step to choosing the right eye doctor for yourself is to understand the differences between an ophthalmologist, optometrist, and optician. Only after knowing the differences will you be able to choose the best opticians near me.
So, discussed below are the differences among these types of eye care providers, who can help to have a good vision for life.
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is an MD or medical doctor who has specializations in vision and eye care. Ophthalmologists are trained in performing different types of eye tests, properly diagnosing and treating different types of eye diseases, performing eye surgery, and prescribing different medications as well.
These professionals can also write the prescriptions that are needed to have contact lenses and eye-gasses. Ophthalmologists mainly differ from opticians and optometrists in their levels of extensive training and what they are expected to diagnose and treat.
They need to undergo training for eight years, and only after that can they get the license to perform surgeries and prescribe medicines. Many ophthalmologists are involved in various scientific researches that may help to treat different types of vision disorders and eye diseases.
While the ophthalmologists are trained to treat different eye problems, some of them specialize in a particular area that is related to eye care. Those experts are known as subspecialists.
Those experts need to complete one or two years of training to treat the problems like the retina, glaucoma, and many more. This extra amount of training will help them to treat the patients with some specific health issues.
Who is an optometrist?
An optometrist is another professional who is an expert in providing eye care. They have a degree in optometry and thus can correct different types of refractive problems or errors by prescribing contact lenses and glasses.
Some of these medical experts also offer vision therapy and low vision care. Some optometrists may have the license to prescribe different types of medicines for treating eye diseases and problems.
Optometrists may also take part in taking care of before and after an operation performed by an ophthalmologist.
An optometrist must have a degree in optometry and complete training of a minimum of one year, under the strict supervision of an expert. Similar to the ophthalmologists, an optometrist also needs to have the required training and degree to work as a professional.
Who is an optician?
Opticians are those professionals who are trained to design, create, verify and fit the lenses, frames, eyeglasses, and other eye-related devices to correct the eyesight of the patients. They need the prescriptions of optometrists or ophthalmologists to develop accurate lenses or eyeglasses.
However, they cannot test your vision or prescribe medicines for vision disorders or eye problems. They also do not have permission to treat or diagnose eye-related ailments. So, if you wish to know the reasons for your vision problems, you need to look for an ophthalmologist, not an optician.
Therefore, all of these three professionals, known as ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians, have important roles to play to offer a better vision to the patients. However, if you wish to have great eyeglasses, you can contact the best opticians in Kenya or the best opticians in Nairobi.
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