The difference between ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians

You may have likely heard about all these specializations. Below we'll breakdown the difference between an ophthalmologist, versus an optometrist, versus an optician.

Ophthalmologists are eye surgeons who can provide medical treatments for various eye-related conditions.

Optometrists, on the other hand, are the doctors you should see annually to get an eye exam (medical requirements vary state by state, though you should treat your eye exams no differently than you would schedule regular teeth cleanings). Optometrists will diagnose and treat your eyes, and provide you with a prescription that you can use to get the right eyeglasses. While they specialize in eye exams, they can also screen for health issues at which point they will refer patients to an opthamologist for medical care, or to an optician to fill an RX.

Our shops feature opticians, who are like the pharmacists of the vision world, filling the prescriptions written by Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. Opticians are licensed by the Board of Optometry and pursue continued education to stay up to date on the latest lens technologies and advancements in eyewear.  They are specially trained in the art of styling various face shapes to help you find the best sunglasses and eyeglasses for your needs, select lenses based on your prescription and day-to-day activities that will fit the frames best suited for you, and take the proper measurements such as your pupillary distance. This is the distance between the pupils of your eye, and is critical in ensuring the optical center of your lens is aligned to the center of your pupil, which will result in the greatest clarity.

From there, an optician will fulfill your prescription, and at Alexander Daas Opticians, utilize our own private labs which means you'll have a greater level of care for your lenses when they are cut to fit your frame, versus being sent to a mass production facility. When your frame is ready our opticians will dispense your frame to you and make sure it looks good, fits properly, and feels comfortable.

Our opticians go above and beyond in helping customers learn more about quality eyewear, the latest advancements in lens technology, and proper eyewear care to ensure your eyewear can live on for as long as possible. For example, that means not wearing your frames on your head or in your shirt, which can lead to stretching and scratching. Check out the unisex Alexander Daas eyewear chain which solves for this, through our dog tag liken pendant designed in our brand crest, serving as a secure place to hang your eyeglasses or sunglasses.