Eye Care Provider

Optometrist

An optometrist (or Doctor of Optometry) is an independent primary health care provider who specializes in the examination, diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as the diagnosis of related systemic conditions. Patient management includes prescribing glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy (orthoptics), low vision aids or prescription medications. It also includes referral for consultation to the appropriate practitioner for treatment of ocular or systemic disease, or eye surgery. Doctors of Optometry have a minimum of six years of University education, consisting of four years in specialized professional education and preceded by at least two years of a pre-optometry University science program. In Canada, 70% of eye examinations are performed by optometrists and they are the source of most professional vision diagnosis and eyewear in urban and rural communities.

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are physicians who have completed an additional 4 year ophthalmology residency. They typically treat advanced eye diseases and problems and can perform surgery when necessary or prescribe other forms of treatment.

Optician

An optician is a provider who makes or sells glasses and/or contact lenses based on a prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They do not perform eye examinations. Opticians are generally employed in retail optical stores or in optometry practices.