Introduction
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never thought much about the types of opticians. But if the idea of getting your vision checked by someone who helps make eyeglasses has been on your radar for a while now, it’s time to learn more about it. In this article we’ll go over what opticians do and how they can help you see better than ever before.
Satisfy your curiosity: What are the types of opticians?
Optometrist
An optometrist is a doctor who specializes in the eyes. Optometrists can prescribe glasses, contact lenses and other vision correction products. They also perform eye exams and detect eye problems. If a patient has an eye disease such as glaucoma or cataracts that causes vision loss, then an optometrist may prescribe medication to treat these conditions.
The plainview opticians is not necessarily an optometrist—they’re often trained to sell glasses but don’t have any kind of certification or training beyond that.
Optician
An optician is a healthcare professional who helps people with their vision. They can help you choose glasses, contact lenses and eye problems.
Opticians are often called ophthalmologists (eye doctors). If you need to see an ophthalmologist for an eye exam or treatment, they’ll likely be able to refer you to one of these professionals:
- Optometrist: A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the eyes and visual system; this includes conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
- Pediatrician: A medical doctor who specializes in caring for children through childhood into adulthood; pediatricians often oversee other specialists when necessary like ophthalmologists as well as other types of physicians such as cardiologists or neurologists depending on where your child’s health issues lie within their particular set of symptoms/complaints.*
Dispensing Optician
You might also be interested in a dispensing optician. Dispensing opticians are trained to fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, but they can also provide eye exams and provide prescription sunglasses. If you have an in-store optician who specializes in only one type of eyewear—like sunglasses or reading glasses—you may not need to go all the way to an optical store if you want it done here instead.
You’ll find dispensing opticians at most large retail stores that sell glasses, such as Walmart and Target (these stores have a wide selection of frames). You should ask for assistance when visiting one of these outlets; usually there will be someone waiting nearby who can help with any questions about what type of frames are best suited for your face shape or how much money you should spend on them before buying anything else!
Lens Technician
Lens technicians are responsible for the manufacture and fitting of lenses. They may also be known as lens makers or opticians, but they do not practice optometry. Lens technicians work with both optometrists and dispensing opticians to ensure that patients receive the correct type of eyeglasses at the right time.
Lens technicians must have a degree in ophthalmology or optometry (this is different than a degree in general medicine). They attend classes during their studies about how to make contact lenses, how to fit them properly, and other basic topics related to this field.
Takeaway:
The takeaway from this article is that the term “optician” refers to the people who make, fit and sell eyeglasses. There are two types of opticians: dispensing opticians and lens technicians. Dispensing opticians are specialty medical professionals who fit lenses to your prescription as part of their job description; they typically work in offices or clinics where patients come in with their own glasses. Lens technicians make the actual frames for eyeglasses; they’re responsible for creating all sorts of different styles (round, oval etc.) out of plastic or metal materials depending on what kind of frame you need.
Conclusion
If you want to learn more about opticians and their work, we recommend checking out the following resources:
Optometrists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat eye diseases. They also help manage vision problems, prescribe lenses, and teach patients how to protect their eyes from injury or infection. Optometrists are often called upon to provide emergency care for patients who have suffered a traumatic injury or accident requiring immediate medical attention.