Optician is a general term that covers both optometrists and dispensing opticians.
Optometrists carry out sight tests to check the quality of your vision and eye health. They look for signs of eye disease that may need treatment from a doctor or eye surgeon and prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses.
Dispensing opticians fit glasses and contact lenses, but do not test eyes. They can give you advice on types of lens, such as single-vision or bifocal, and help you to choose frames.
When you visit an optician you may have your sight tested by an optometrist or an ophthalmic medical practitioner. They are trained to recognise abnormalities and diseases in the eye, such as cataract and glaucoma.
After the sight test the optician must legally give you your spectacle prescription (whether new or unchanged) or a statement saying that you did not need a prescription. This statement will also say if you are being referred to your GP or ophthalmic hospital.
It is recommended that you visit an optometrist every two years (or more frequently if advised). This is important because an eye examination can detect potentially blinding eye conditions.
It is easy to neglect the eyes because they rarely hurt when there is a problem. But once eyesight is lost, it may never be restored.
Children's eyes
- Remember to take your child to all their developmental checks.
- Eye problems can develop at any age. Not all parents know their child has an eye problem.
- If you have concerns, ask your optometrist, GP, health visitor or school nurse for advice.
- Free NHS funded sight tests are available for children under 16 years of age and those aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education.
