Optician vs. Optometrist: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An optician is a professional who specializes in fitting and selling glasses and contact lenses, while an optometrist is a healthcare professional focused on conducting eye exams and providing overall vision care.
Key Differences
An Optician is a technician trained to design, verify, and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight. They use prescriptions supplied by Optometrists or ophthalmologists, but do not test vision or write prescriptions for visual correction.
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Nov 15, 2023
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care, ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. Unlike Opticians, they can perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses.
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An Optician typically works in a retail setting, helping customers select the best eyewear and ensuring a proper fit. In contrast, an Optometrist works in a clinical setting, conducting eye exams, diagnosing eye conditions, and providing treatment plans.
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Opticians often work closely with Optometrists, receiving and fulfilling their prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. Optometrists, however, have a broader scope, managing overall eye health, including prescribing medication for eye diseases.
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While Opticians focus mainly on the technical and aesthetic aspects of eyewear, Optometrists are concerned with the health of the eye, offering comprehensive care that includes preventive measures against eye diseases.
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Comparison Chart
Education
Technical training in eyewear fitting and design
Doctoral level education in optometry
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Prescription
Cannot prescribe eyewear or medications
Can prescribe eyewear and certain medications
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Primary Role
Eyewear fitting and sales
Eye health management and vision correction
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Work Environment
Retail settings like optical shops
Clinical settings, private practices, hospitals
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Optician and Optometrist Definitions
Optician
A professional skilled in interpreting eyewear prescriptions.
The optician explained how my prescription lenses would improve my vision.
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Optometrist
A provider of primary eye care and vision correction.
The optometrist updated my prescription after a comprehensive eye exam.
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Optician
A professional who fits and sells eyeglasses and contact lenses.
The optician adjusted my glasses for a perfect fit.
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Optometrist
A professional skilled in detecting vision problems.
The optometrist found that I needed bifocals for my reading issues.
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Optician
A technician trained in making and repairing eyewear.
I visited the optician to repair my broken frames.
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Optometrist
A healthcare professional specializing in eye exams and vision care.
My optometrist detected early signs of glaucoma during my routine check-up.
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Optician
A specialist in recommending eyewear based on prescription and style.
The optician helped me choose stylish frames that suited my face.
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Optometrist
A practitioner who diagnoses and treats eye diseases.
The optometrist prescribed me eye drops for my dry eye condition.
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Optician
An expert in adjusting and fitting contact lenses.
The optician taught me how to properly use contact lenses.
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Optometrist
An eye specialist in prescribing corrective lenses.
My optometrist recommended contact lenses for my nearsightedness.
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Optometrist
A person who is professionally trained and licensed to examine the eyes for visual defects, diagnose problems or impairments, and prescribe corrective lenses or provide other types of treatment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Optometrist
A person trained and skilled in examining and testing the eyes for defects, in order to prescribe corrective lenses or treatment.
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Optometrist
One who is skilled in or practices optometry, especially one who examines the eyes for defects in vision and prescribes the proper lenses to correct any defects discovered.
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Optometrist
A person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do opticians make glasses?
Yes, opticians are trained to make and repair glasses.
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Are opticians medical doctors?
No, opticians are not medical doctors; they are trained technicians.
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What's the main role of an optician?
The main role of an optician is to ensure the proper fitting and sale of eyewear.
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Can opticians prescribe glasses?
No, opticians cannot prescribe; they fit and sell glasses based on existing prescriptions.
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Can optometrists prescribe medication?
Yes, optometrists can prescribe medication for certain eye conditions.
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What does an optician do?
An optician fits and sells glasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions.
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What does an optometrist do?
An optometrist examines eyes for health and vision problems and prescribes corrective lenses.
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Can optometrists treat eye diseases?
Yes, optometrists can diagnose and treat certain eye diseases.
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Can opticians detect eye diseases?
No, opticians are not trained to diagnose eye diseases; that's the role of optometrists.
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Do opticians work in hospitals?
Rarely; most opticians work in retail settings like optical stores.
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What's the difference in training between an optician and optometrist?
Optometrists undergo extensive medical training, including a doctorate in optometry, unlike opticians.
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Can opticians work independently?
Yes, opticians can operate their own retail optical businesses.
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How often should I see an optometrist?
It's recommended to have an eye exam with an optometrist every 1-2 years.
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Are optometrists qualified to perform surgery?
No, optometrists are not trained to perform eye surgeries; that's the role of ophthalmologists.
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What education is required to become an optician?
Opticians typically need technical training or an associate degree in opticianry.
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Do optometrists provide contact lenses?
Yes, optometrists can prescribe and provide contact lenses.
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Can an optician become an optometrist?
Yes, but they would need to complete the necessary education and training in optometry.
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What is the main difference between an optician and optometrist?
Opticians focus on fitting and selling eyewear, while optometrists provide comprehensive eye care and vision correction.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is a referral needed to see an optometrist?
No, a referral is typically not needed to see an optometrist for an eye exam.
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Are optometrists considered eye doctors?
Yes, optometrists are often referred to as eye doctors, focusing on vision care.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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