Opthalmologist, Optometrists and Opticians.

[Alan S]

I have noticed some confusion in posts in the use of terms for the people we see for our eye health.

An opthalmologist is a highly qualified doctor who specialises in the health of eyes.
An optometrist is not a qualified doctor but is trained to test our eyes to provide a prescription for spectacles and also to detect visual difficulties and other eye conditions.
An optician sells spectacles. The optician uses the prescription provided by the optometrist to arrange production of spectacles and adjustment to fit your face. In the UK some opticians are also qualified optometrists and fill both roles.

Here is the longer version: Differences between an Optician, Optometrist, & Ophthalmologist

 

[Lucyr]

If this is referring to my post it may be a cultural thing. When I say optician I mean in the British use of the word which refers to the venue not the person you see. I go to Specsavers Opticians for my regular eye check. The optician is the way we reference the name of the venue, without using the brand. It isn’t referring to the qualification of the person you see.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

Very true.
My "optician" is happy with her label.
Even though she is an optometrist with a BSc and is a Member of the College of Optometrists who specialises in diabetic eye care.
But,
I take the prescription, I buy glasses online, I measure my own face, buy the correct frames and then adjust them to fit me.
I buy prescription dive masks online as well, from the prescription my optometrist gives me.