Choosing An Eye Doctor: OPTOMETRIST, OPHTHALMOLOGIST OR OPTICIAN

Caring for the eye is a very important part of ensuring a healthy living.

Just like the Bible clearly states in Luke 11:34 "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light; but when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness'.

Therefore we can conclude that choosing an eye care provider is an important health care decision that must be made properly cos you will be entrusting the window to your soul to someone you hope is highly competent to safeguard your precious sense of sight and help you maintain a lifetime of good vision.

In my daily encounter with patients, i noticed there exist some level of ignorance in their understanding of the difference between an Optometrist, Ophthalmologist and Optician. Though each work in unism to provide care for the eyes, their roles are distinctive.

OPTOMETRISTS are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. Optometrists receives a doctor of optometry (OD) degree after completion of a 6 years University training after which they embark on a compulsory one year internship program. Qualified optometrists are licensed to practice optometry, which primarily involves performing eye exams/Vision tests, prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, detecting certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases.

OPTICIANS are not eye doctors but they play a very vital role in an eye care team. they are technicians trained to design, verify and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight. They are not permitted to perform eye test, diagnose or treat eye diseases. they depend on prescription from an Optometrist or Opthalmologist in rendering their services

OPHTHALMOLOGIST are Medical Doctors who specializes in ophthalmology. they perform similar function as the Optometrist and are licensed to perform eye surgeries.

Safeguard your vision,  See an Optometrist Today