---
title: The Difference Between Opticians, Optometrists and Ophthalmologists
description: So, you plan to go have your eyes checked. Do you schedule an appointment with an optician, optometrist or an ophthalmologist? Though each specialty plays
image: https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adobestock_103567464-1.jpeg
---

Already have an Account?

LOGIN

X

### Select Line of Coverage:

Vision

Dental

### Select One:

Member

Administrator

Provider

Lab

SIGN IN

![](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adobestock_103567464-1.jpeg)

So, you plan to go have your eyes checked. Do you schedule an appointment with an optician, optometrist or an ophthalmologist? Though each specialty plays an important role in providing eye care, the level of training and expertise is different for each provider. Allow us to break it down for you:

- **Opticians**

Opticians are specialists who fit patients for eyeglass lenses and frames and contact lenses. Opticians use prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists, but do not test or write prescriptions for vision correction. Opticians are not licensed to diagnose or treat eye diseases.

- **Optometrists**

Optometrists are primary healthcare doctors of the eye, who provide vision care exams, looking for both health and vision concerns. They are able to prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct refractive errors. In addition, they’re able to prescribe certain medicines to correct eye problems and diseases.

- **Ophthalmologists**

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have specialized experience in surgical and medical procedures. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery. They can diagnose all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses.

**Basic Considerations**

As you would when choosing any other doctor, consider the following:

- Proximity. Is the doctor you’re selecting near to you?
- Reputation. Sometimes a personal referral can help narrow down your choices. Ask family and friends if they have an eye doctor they would recommend.
- Do you need a doctor with evening and weekend appointments? Be sure the office hours will work with your schedule.

## Related Articles

[![](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/vba-887303122_contacts-300x155-2.jpg) ](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/elective-contact-lenses)

[Vision](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/tag/vision) [Lifestyle](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/tag/lifestyle) [Health and Wellness](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/tag/health-and-wellness) [Frames](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/tag/frames) [Lenses and More](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/tag/lenses-and-more)

### [Elective Contact Lenses](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/elective-contact-lenses)

Contact lenses are a convenient tool for vision correction. Whether you’re nearsighted (myopia), farsighted (hyperopia) or have an astigmatism, your doctor may present...

[Jennifer Stech](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/author/jennifer-stech) 

[Read More](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/elective-contact-lenses)

[![](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adobestock_534476292-1.jpeg) ](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/what-to-look-for-in-a-benefits-network)

[Vision](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/tag/vision)

### [What to Look for in a Benefits Network](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/what-to-look-for-in-a-benefits-network)

When it comes to selecting benefits, the options can be overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, including network, service and plan design. A benefits network...

[Matthew Cuomo](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/author/matthew-cuomo) 

[Read More](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/what-to-look-for-in-a-benefits-network)

#### Stay in Touch

Sign up to receive the latest news and information from VBA.

![VBA Plans of America logo](https://www.vbaplans.com/assets/images/VBA-Logo.png)

Vision Benefits of America  
 400 Lydia Street, Suite 300  
 Carnegie, PA 15106

[1-800-432-4966](tel:8004324966)

##### [VISION](https://www.vbaplans.com/vision)

##### [DENTAL](https://www.vbaplans.com/dental)

##### [COMPANY](https://www.vbaplans.com/about-us)

##### FOLLOW

© 2021 VBA

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Kathy Landsparger",
    "url" : "https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/author/kathy-landsparger"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-12-08T18:30:09.796Z",
  "datePublished" : "2017-11-29T05:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "The Difference Between Opticians, Optometrists and Ophthalmologists",
  "image" : [ "https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adobestock_103567464-1.jpeg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/the-difference-between-opticians-optometrists-and-ophthalmologists",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/VBA_RGB-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Vision Benefits of America"
  }
}
```