What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist, an Optometrist, and a Licensed Optician?
An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in vision care. He or she can perform vision examinations, prescribe medications, test for and treat eye diseases or eye injuries and even perform surgery if required. An Optometrist specializes in eye examinations and contact lens fittings. He or she can also test for eye diseases, and in many states, they can also diagnose and treat certain eye conditions with medication. Licensed Opticians fill the prescriptions written by Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, and expertly fit the resulting eyewear. In Arizona a Licensed Optician may fill prescriptions, duplicate an existing prescription, and sell contact lenses.
