Eye 101

It can be sometimes confusing to know the difference between professionals in the eye department or the 'O-team'. What makes it more difficult is their roles and responsibilities can vary between different countries. 

Optician: This term is often used interchangeably (at least in the UK) with 'Optometrist' and 'Ophthalmic dispenser'.  An optician is someone trained to give advice and carry out fittings of vision correction such as glasses, visual aids and contact lenses using the prescription and information given by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. 

Optometrist: A trained professional is eye care who can undertake detailed eye examinations, prescribe eye correction, give eye health advice, manage some eye and visual disorders and refer onward to other healthcare professionals when required. This role requires a degree in Optometry.

Ophthalmologist: A medically trained doctor who specialises in eye care. They are able to diagnose and treat eye conditions with both medical and surgical skills. Ophthalmologists usually work in hospitals. This role requires a medical degree followed by extensive training. 

Orthoptist: Specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of eye-movement disorders and disorders which affect the way the eye interacts with the brain. They may often work alongside ophthalmology and neurology departments. This role requires a degree in Orthoptics.

Ophthalmic dispenser: Trained individuals in the advice, fitting and dispensing of glasses and other visual aids. They are often seen in high street settings and also in the hospital eye department. This role can be achieved through obtaining a degree or degree apprenticeship. 

Nurse: If you are referred into a hospital setting, you may be seen by a range of staff including nurses who co-ordinate with each other to offer comprehensive care. 

If you have noticed a change in your eye sight or are experiencing pain, redness, discharge or other concerning symptoms regarding your eyes, see a professional such as an optometrist as soon as possible. They can investigate and may either advise,  manage, treat or refer onward someone who can help. In some cases, you may need to go to urgent care. 

Vision is the term used for what we see with our eyes. Visual ability can vary across individuals. Your vision is measured by how clearly and how much you can see at a specific distance away from a target such as a reading chart. 

We currently do not offer any products. We are a free website offering simple information about eyes and eye conditions. 

Our aim is simple: to help people learn more about their eyes and eye health. It is estimated that up to 80% of blindness across the world is considered to be preventable. The more we know about our eyes, the more we can tackle preventable vision-loss together. 

We have created information pages and resources suitable for patients, carers, parents/guardians, students and even colouring pages for children.