What is the difference between an ophthalmologist,
an optometrist and an optician?

An ophthalmologist is an eye MD who has been specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care. This includes prescribing glasses and contact lenses, diagnosis and medical, surgical and laser treatment of the eye, eyelid and orbits.

Ophthalmologists typically attend four years of pre-medical college, followed by four years of medical school, a year of medical or surgical internship and then a three or four year residency in ophthalmology. In addition to these 12 years of higher education, some ophthalmologists choose to further specialize their training in a fellowship program. Most ophthalmologists participate in a week or more of annual continuing education. Some ophthalmologists earn Board Certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Some ophthalmologists choose to limit their scope of practice and let others participate in a team care approach of their patients. This care might include communicating with the patient's primary care doctor, oncologist, endocrinologist, neurologist or other specialist.

An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry (OD). To become an optometrist, one typically attends a four year pre-professional college, followed by four years at a college of optometry.

An optometrist is trained to prescribe contact lenses and glasses. Many are also trained in low vision care and diagnosing medical eye conditions. In states such as Vermont, optometrists are allowed to diagnose and medically treat some eye conditions.

An optician is the person who makes or sells glasses. Typically this requires two years of higher education in an ophthalmic dispensing school or three years working as a registered optician trainee. In Vermont, they must then pass a competency exam in order to become licensed.