Quite often, when I am introduced to someone they ask, “What do you do for a living?” and I reply, “I am an Optician and practice owner.”
“Oh, so you’re an eye doctor?” they will say.
“No, I own a practice and I employ eye doctors, specifically Optometrists.”
Next they will ask, “I have never understood what the differences are between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists?”
It is then that I proceed to explain the importance of all three professions when it comes to preserving sight and looking great!
Medical Device and Fashion Advice
In NYS Opticians are licensed to interpret and fit a prescription pair of glasses and many Opticians also become contact lens certified which allows them to interpret a prescription, fit and prescribe contact lenses. The Optician will look at your Rx and at your face, discuss your uses and lifestyle and then make recommendations about which frames will best accommodate your prescription on your face and work with your use of them, (i.e. If you are typically very rough with your belongings, they may suggest a frame made of surgical steel or titanium). The Optician is typically the most knowledgeable in the office about lens materials and treatments that will benefit each Rx. Opticianry it is one of the only professions that combines “medical device with fashion advice.” They will ensure that you end up with glasses that help you to see better and look great!
Primary Care Physician
Optometrists are the Primary Care Physician for your eyes. A comprehensive medical eye exam by a thorough optometrist will give the doctor a lot of information about your overall health. The eye is the only organ of the human body that a doctor can actually witness blood flow in real time just by looking into the back of your eyes. The doctor can detect hypertension, diabetes, macular degeneration, cataracts and several other more serious conditions and diseases.
Optometrists are the professional experts at determining glasses and contact lens prescriptions. After four years of college they go on to four more years of Optometry school where they spend the bulk of their education on the eyes as an organ, teaming and tracking, convergence, eye health including disease diagnosis, treatment and refraction.
If your Optometrist diagnoses a condition or disease that requires further treatment, they will refer you to the Ophthalmologist who specializes in that condition or disease. For example, if your eye doctor diagnoses you with a cataract, they will send you to an Ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery. If you have a retinal diagnosis, your will be sent to the Ophthalmologist who specializes in treating retinal diseases.
Medical Surgeon
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who go on to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and perform eye surgery. Many Ophthalmolgists specialize further by treating only specific diseases and are experts in retinal issues or glaucoma or cataract surgery. Some MDs specialize further practice as neuro-ophthalmologists or pediatric surgeons.
In order to obtain care from the best MD for your eyes and your specific treatment needs, your Optometrist is the expert at referring you. Based on their knowledge and experience with the MDs in your local area, they will know where to send you. They will also know when it may be best to seek treatment outside of the area in extreme cases where treatment by a local expert for your condition is not available.
Nothing replaces a comprehensive annual eye exam by your trusted Optometrist when it comes to preserving your eye-health. The perfect combination is a knowledgeable Optician to interpret and fit you to prescription eyewear that both helps you to “see” optimally with the latest in digital lens design technology paired with a frame that is tailored to you so you leave “looking” great!
Finally, an exceptional pair of glasses does not have to break the bank! Look for sales and deals at your local optical businesses. Many offer seasonal and on-going sales and promotions as well as budget packages. The services and high- end products offered by your local businesses typically far exceed those found at “supposed” discount chain stores and on-line vendors.
Susan Halstead is a NYS and Nationally Licensed Optician who has been at Family Vision Care Center for 30 years. Susan is both the Optician and Owner and can be reached for questions or comments at 518-584-6111 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
