Ophthalmologist vs optometrist vs optician — who should you see?

Patients arrive in my clinic every week having spent months with the wrong professional. The three roles overlap at the edges but are legally and clinically distinct.

Ophthalmologist — a medical doctor and eye surgeon

An ophthalmologist has completed a medical degree, foundation training and seven or more years of ophthalmic specialty training, then sat the FRCOphth exams. They diagnose and treat eye disease medically and surgically: cataract, glaucoma, retinal disease, corneal disease, and refractive lens and laser surgery. Only an ophthalmologist can operate. You can read more about what a consultant ophthalmologist does.

Optometrist — sight testing and disease detection

An optometrist holds a degree in optometry and is registered with the GOC. They test your sight, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and screen for disease using imaging. In the UK many optometrists also run glaucoma and diabetic monitoring clinics. They cannot perform surgery, and their prescribing rights are limited.

Dispensing optician — fitting your eyewear

A dispensing optician fits and supplies spectacles and, with further qualification, contact lenses. They do not test eyes or diagnose disease.

Who to see, and when

- Blurred vision that changes with new glasses — start with an optometrist.

- Glare, halos, faded colours, poor night driving — an ophthalmologist, to assess for cataract. See what is a cataract.

- Sudden vision loss, new floaters or flashes, curtain across vision — urgent ophthalmology or eye casualty, same day.

- Considering life without glasses — an ophthalmologist for a refractive assessment: laser eye surgery or lens replacement surgery.

- Raised pressure or a glaucoma referral — an ophthalmologist. See our glaucoma service.

The referral loop most people miss

An optometrist who spots something abnormal will refer you — but on the NHS that referral can take months. Self-referring to a private ophthalmologist in the UK removes the wait entirely, and if surgery is not needed we will tell you so and discharge you.

Book a consultant assessment or call 020 3137 3237.