EYE PROFESSIONALS

WHO DOES WHAT

If you have a problem with your eyes or vision there are many fully-trained specialists and doctors to help you.

Here you can discover the work that various eye professionals do and the specialisms they undertake.

Optometrist

The College of Optometrists urges people to ‘Look for the Letters’ when they get their eyes checked.

Optometrists are highly trained healthcare professionals who are qualified to examine eyes, test sight, give advice on visual problems, recognise disease, prescribe and fit spectacles and contact lenses, and they often use cutting-edge technology such as retinal imaging systems. They also recommend other treatments or visual aids where appropriate.

Optometrists are trained to recognise eye diseases, referring such cases to other specialists as necessary.

Optometrists study at university for at least three years and participate in a full year of training and supervision, called the pre-registration year, before qualifying. Once qualified, they have the opportunity to develop their interests in specialist aspects of practice such as contact lenses, eye treatment, low vision, children’s vision and sports vision.

When choosing an optometrist, look out for the letters FCOptom or MCOptom after his or her name. An optometrist who has the letters MCOptom or FCOptom after their name is a member of the College – and committed to the highest professional standards.

Dispensing opticians

Dispensing opticians can ONLY fit and supply frames and lenses for glasses. They do this after taking account of each patient’s lifestyle and vocational needs.

Dispensing opticians are also able to fit contact lenses after undergoing further specialist training.

However, they are NOT qualified to provide an eye examination.

Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists specialise in eye disease, treatment and surgery. Medically qualified, they mainly work in eye hospitals and hospital eye departments as well as private eye clinics.

You are most likely to encounter an ophthalmologist if you have been referred to one by an optometrist or a general practitioner.

Important Note

Worldwide both optometrists and dispensing opticians are referred to as “Opticians”. Be aware though that there are two categories; the Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists) and the Dispensing Opticians. The Optometrists are the people qualified to provide a full eye examination as it is defined by the World Council of Optometry.

In Cyprus many unqualified Dispensing Opticians claiming to be qualified Optometrists, perform eye tests missing important ocular pathology, so be careful before having your eye examination.

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