Who can give an eye exam?
There are three types of eye care professionals. The one you should see depends on your needs. Ophthalmologists: They are medical doctors licensed to diagnose and treat vision problems, and perform surgery. They also prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Ophthalmologists typically receive at least 12 years of education. Optometrists: They can prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, but cannot perform medical procedures. However, in some states, they can treat some eye conditions with drops and certain drugs. They require six to eight years of education. Opticians: They are experts on eye accessories, who fit, adjust and repair glasses and contacts according to prescriptions written by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Since opticians make part of their living on the sale of glasses, they have an interest in prescribing them to you, so keep that in mind. So what exactly will happen during your eye exam?
