Med-Psych.com

As I was responding to a question posted in another thread, I realized it would be better to create a completely separate thread about the differences between different types of eye doctors. The person in that post had used the word optician when they meant optometrist. Here's clarification on the terms:

An optician is not an eye doctor. An optician can not write a prescription, but will help fit and adjust eyeglasses. An optician usually just has to attend a 2 year college or do a special apprenticeship. There really isn't much education needed.

An optometrist (or OD) has attended 4 years of post-graduate training after college. Optometrists can do eye tests and eye exams, and fit glasses and contact lenses. They can also prescribe some basic medications. An ophthalmologist (I will never remember how to spell that word) is a medical doctor who went to 4 years of medical school after college and then completed a residency in ophthalmology. They can do surgery in addition to prescribing all medications and doing eye exams, etc.

When you go to get a normal eye exam and get fitted for glasses, you most likely will see an optometrist. Unless you have special eye problems, you wouldn't need to see an ophthalmologist.