Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) or
osteopath (DO) who specializes in the treatment of the eye and visual system. In
addition to providing routine eye care, ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat
eye disease using medical or surgical techniques.
Optometrist
An optometrist is an eyecare professional who has
completed four years of optometry school after graduating from college.
Optometrists specialize in examination, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions
of the visual system, including prescribing and fitting eyeglasses and contact
lenses. Optometrists are not authorized to use surgical techniques to treat eye
disease.
Opticians
- Dispensing optician
A dispensing optician helps the patient with
the selection of frames, and also measures, adjusts, and fits eyewear using
prescriptions supplied by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- Laboratory optician
A laboratory optician can manufacture
eyewear using prescriptions supplied by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- Optometric technician
An optometric technician performs the same
duties as a dispensing optician, but has also had two years of formal training
or has passed the National Optometric Registration Exam for
technicians.
Dispensing location
Optical facilities that have
the capability to dispense eyewear are commonly called dispensing locations.
Some dispensing locations have on-site manufacturing capabilities, but the
majority of dispensing locations use offsite eyewear manufacturing facilities.
DPA certification
Diagnostic pharmaceutical agent (DPA)
certification is granted to optometrists who have demonstrated capability to
diagnose eye disease. State licensing agencies serve as the certifying body for
DPA certification.
TPA certification
Therapeutic pharmaceutical agent (TPA)
certification is granted to optometrists who have demonstrated capability to
diagnose and treat eye disease. In addition, TPA certified optometrists can
prescribe certain medications to treat eye disease. State licensing agencies
serve as the certifying body for TPA certification.
