Here's the rundown:

An ophthalmologist is a licensed physician who practices medicine. Ophthalmologists deal with refractive, medical, and surgical disorders of the eye, eyelids, and eye socket.

Optometrists are another important health professional. These licensed practitioners are not physicians. They are trained to evaluate vision and to assess the health of the eye. In every state their scope of practice is clearly defined. This may include measuring refractive errors, prescribing glasses and contacts, and assisting low vision patients.

Opticians make prescription lenses for spectacles.

Orthoptists manage patients with crooked eyes in order to help them see better.

Ocularists make and fit patients with ocular prostheses (artificial eyes).

By the way, each of these providers are viciously protective regarding the CORRECT SPELLING of their chosen profession!

Bill Lloyd, MD, is an experienced ophthalmologist who has devoted the last two decades to practicing and teaching medicine.

Originally published April 29, 2002.