Optometrists, Ophthalmologists and Opticians provide different levels of eye care and vision services. Do you know the difference in training and licence qualification of the "3 O's"?
Optometrists are trained professionals, most of whom have obtained a Bachelor of Science degree prior to completing a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree at an accredited university. In Canada, the University of Waterloo and University of Montreal confer doctorates of Optometry.
An optometrist is trained and licensed to:
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who, in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree (pre-med) and four-year Doctor of Medicine degree at an accredited university, have completed an Ophthalmology residency and received certification as a specialist from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons. Most ophthalmologists specialize in secondary and tertiary treatment of eye disease and disorders, including the surgical correction of some ocular problems. They usually accept patients on referral from an optometrist or general practitioner.
Note that in Manitoba there are some medical doctors that conduct eye examinations who have additional training in eye disease and disorders but have not obtained their Canadian certification as Ophthalmologists. These doctors are referred to as Eye Physicians.
Opticians complete a two-year training program combining home study and work experience. Based on an optical prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, an optician is licensed to design, supply, prepare, adjust and dispense optical appliances. While this usually means prescription glasses, many opticians also undertake additional studies that certify them to fit and dispense contact lenses in addition to glasses.