The Importance of Visiting an Independent Eye Care Professional
In today's marketplace, vertical integration is everywhere and it exists in the eyecare market as well. Consumers can be sure that their independent eye care professional is motivated by what is best for his or her patient. This may not be the case at some chain retail and mass merchandise stores where only the products they manufacture are presented as "best" for the patient.

Overview of Independent Eye Care Professionals

The three most commonly recognized eyecare professionals are the ophthalmologist (ahp thal MAH lo jist), the optometrist (op TOM uh trist), and the optician (op TISH en). Though they re often confused, they are separate professions.

THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST
An ophthalmologist is a physician specializing in medical and surgical treatment of the eye. Ophthalmologists also prescribe and sell contact lenses, and some are also involved in the dispensing of eyeglass frames and lenses.

THE OPTOMETRIST
An Optometrist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats eye health and vision problems. They prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, low-vision rehabilitation, vision therapy and medications, as well as perform certain surgical procedures. They hold the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree.

THE OPTICIAN
An Optician is an eye care professional who makes and adjusts optical aids such as eyeglass lenses and frames, from refraction prescriptions supplied by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Importance of Annual Eye Exams
To be sure you are seeing as clearly as possible, everyone should have an annual eye exam. Your eye doctor (whether an ophthalmologist or optometrist) is specially trained to help you see comfortably during all of your daily activities. And if you have children, their demanding physical as well as mental activities depend on good vision. So take a few minutes every year, to "See Clearly, Check Yearly".