What’s the difference between an optician, optometrist, orthoptist and ophthalmologist?

“Do I need to see an optician, optometrist, orthoptist or ophthalmologist?” Choosing the right specialist depends on your specific eye care needs.

We asked Ophthalmologist Dr. Annick Fournier to break down each role to help you see the difference (and we promise you that’s our one and only eye-rolling pun for this article!).

Optician

“Do you prefer bifocals or progressives?” Opticians guide you on choosing your glasses and contact lenses. Following the prescription from the optometrist or ophthalmologist, the optician will advise you on the type of lenses and frames that will best suit your comfort, preferences and budget.

Optometrist

“Please read the chart, starting at the top.” If you’ve ever had an eye exam, you’re probably familiar with the classic eye chart. Eye exams are administered by optometrists, who also provide plenty of other vision care services, including screening for eye diseases and treatment of minor eye conditions. Depending on your needs, they will also prescribe corrective lenses.

Orthoptist

“Are you experiencing any double or blurred vision?” These professionals assess, re-educate and rehabilitate binocular visual function, which is the ability to use both eyes together to create a single image. Orthoptists work closely with ophthalmologists to manage and treat eye diseases.

Ophthalmologist

“Have you had any previous eye surgeries or treatments?” Ophthalmologists like Dr. Fournier evaluate patients affected by eye diseases and provide medical and surgical care. In this video, Dr. Fournier shares more about her role at The Ottawa Hospital: