Lots of folks ask this question and it can be confusing. Let’s see if we can clear this up together.

Optician

Ask yourself this question. If you need to seek out someone who can help you with your eyewear selection and /or contact lens fitting, who would you ask for? That’s correct…you would ask for an Optician. In most states Opticians need to be licensed by their state board and/or nationally certified by The American Board Of Opticianry (ABO). Those who fit contact lenses must be nationally certified by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). Opticians may use LDO (licensed dispensing Optician) or ABOC (ABO Certified) or RDO (registered dispensing Optician) after their name.

Optometrist

Now,  if you need to seek out someone who can do all of the above plus examine your eyes, treat certain ocular eye disorders and prescribe some ocular medications you would ask for…an Optometrist. In all states Optometrists need to be licensed by their state board and nationally certified by The National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). Optometrist use OD (Doctor of Optometry) or OD, PC (Doctor of Optometry, Profession Corporations) after their name.

Optometrist

Ok so, if you need to seek out someone who can do all of the above plus perform ocular surgery, diagnose and treat ocular diseases you would ask for…an Ophthalmologist. These medical specialists are considered both medical doctors and surgeons. In all states Ophthalmologists need to be licensed by their state board and answer to the American Medical Association (AMA). Ophthalmologists use MD (Doctor of Medicine) and/or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) after their name.