Looking after our eyes should be something we all consider and plan for. It doesn’t matter if we feel our eyes are healthy and in top condition, we should still be doing all we can to care for them. One important way we do this is by having regular check ups with someone qualified to determine how healthy our eyes are and to identify any potential problems or conditions. Of course, when it comes to our eyes, we have specialists to care for them. Going to a local doctor’s office will not work as they will not treat eye problems or do health checks on them. For any eye concerns or health checks we need to see someone who specialises in eye care. This means visiting an optician’s office. Although we call them an optician’s office, this isn’t entirely accurate. True, there are opticians that work there, but these are not the ones who are qualified to care for any problems and health concerns. No, for this you need to see optometrists or ophthalmologists. But how do we know who to see for our health check or for any specific problem we have.
This is often not a decision you have to make. Most times you are getting a health check or have any eye concerns, you will call an optician’s office and speak to an optician. They will then book you in for an appointment and this will generally be to see an optometrist. They will conduct any eye exams, identify any potential problems and write prescriptions for any needed glasses or contact lenses. If you have made an appointment regarding any specific eye concerns, they will address these too. If the condition is serious and requires surgery, you will likely then be referred on to an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are the most experienced when it comes to the eyes and have been specially trained in complex eye surgeries. Because of this, they spend most of their time performing these surgeries and sometimes monitoring surgery after care. So, it is unlikely you will see an ophthalmologist on a first appointment. An optometrist can also perform some surgeries, but they are more limited in what they can perform, tending to stick to the more simple procedures. Any serious medical conditions will be addressed by an ophthalmologist.
Whether you are concerned about the health of your eyes or just want a regular check-up, you will no doubt first see an optician and optometrist at an optician’s office. If it is then needed, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist for further treatment and care.