When it comes to your vision and eye health - do you need to see an optometrist, an optician or an ophthalmologist?
The human eye is a small but extremely intricate organ, second only in complexity to the human brain.
Our eyes are able to focus on 50 different objects every second and can distinguish around 10 million different colours. They are constantly providing data to our brains to help us understand and navigate the world around us.
Regular checkups by a trained professional are the best way to take care of our vision and eye health, particularly when we consider that the Australian Bureau of Statistics Health Survey has reported that over 13 million Australians have one or more chronic (long term) eye conditions.
However there is sometimes confusion over the type of health professional best suited to providing regular eye examinations. Do you need to see an optometrist, an optician or an ophthalmologist?
With all of these terms thought to arise from the Greek or Latin words for "eye" or "sight", it can be difficult to discern which one you need to see (pardon the pun!).
Optometrist
If you have any eye or vision problems, an optometrist is usually your first port of call.
In Australia, an optometrist (also sometimes called an optician) has completed a four year university degree at a minimum, and is trained to:
An optometrist is often assisted by an optical dispenser - someone who is trained to interpret the optical prescriptions, and then supply and fit the appropriate glasses or contact lenses.
If the optometrist believes that you require further tests, treatment or surgery, then they will issue a referral to an ophthalmologist.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a qualified medical doctor who has completed additional studies to become an eye specialist.
After a dozen years of university study, an ophthalmologist is considered an expert in the diagnosis, management and treatment of eye diseases, injuries and disorders.
Because they are a qualified doctor, they can prescribe medication, administer eye injections and perform eye surgery such as:
Orthoptist
If you spend a bit of time with an Ophthalmologist, you will probably come across another health professional starting with “O” - an Orthoptist.
An orthoptist assists with things like the pre and post operative care of surgical patients, and management plans for vision disorders.
These two professionals often work collaboratively together in investigating and managing diseases of the eye.
So, now we've opened your eyes to the different types of eye health professionals, don’t put it off … if you treasure your eye sight, take care of it by visiting an optometrist for a check up every year!
