Eye Care Professionals

Optician
The optician studied at the collegiate level and can be compared to a pharmacist with regards to eye care. The optician will take a prescription provided by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist and deliver the optical product corresponding to the customer’s needs.  The optician will also take measurements to adjust a customer’s frame and advise the customer on the right choice of frame for the prescription.  The optician may also sell eyeglasses either by using a prescription or by studying a previous pair of eyeglasses.  The optician may sell contact lenses only with a prescription.
 

Optometrist
The optometrist has a doctoral degree with completed training in front-line eye care such as vision correction by optical means, visual reeducation, and ocular pathology.  The optometrist may write prescriptions, screen for eye diseases, or even systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and ophthalmic migraine.  The optometrist may also treat various eye diseases and prescribe medication.
 

Ophthalmologist
The ophthalmologist is a general practitioner specialised in ophthalmology.  The practice of an ophthalmologist is mostly pathology oriented with treatments usually done by surgery.  Vision correction is a small part of the ophthalmologist’s practice for which correction prescriptions are written.  In Québec, although it is not prohibited by law, the ophthalmologist does not sell eyeglasses but may sell and adjust contact lenses.  Many ophthalmologists practice refractive surgery (commonly known as Laser).