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The Roles of Different Eye Care Professionals

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The Roles of Different Eye Care Professionals

When it comes to your eye care, there are several different professionals to help you: ophthalmologist, optometrist, orthoptist, and dispensing optician / optical technician. But who does what? What are their roles? Why do you need all four?

Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have completed medical training and subsequently specialized in the clinical care of your eye and vision. Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, to diagnose and treat eye diseases as well as systemic diseases (including the prescription of drugs and performing laser and surgical treatments), in addition to prescribing corrective lenses for vision problems and handling all problems related to your eyes.

Optometrist
Optometrists are healthcare professionals trained to take care of the optical aspects of your eyes. As optometrists are not registered medical practitioners, they do not diagnose or treat eye diseases. In some countries, a doctoral degree is a mandatory requirement but this is not mandatory in Hong Kong. The scope of optometry involves performing vision testing and prescription of corrective lenses for refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia). Some optometrists in Hong Kong can use a limited number of medications during the eye examination process.

Orthoptist
Orthoptists are healthcare professionals trained to evaluate and treat eye movement disorders, and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. These can be caused by issues with the muscles around the eyes or defects of the nerves enabling the brain to communicate with the eyes. They also work with patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke or brain tumors. They are trained to offer visual trainings and non-surgical treatments including eye training, eye exercises, prisms or glasses.

Dispensing Optician / Optical Technician
Dispensing opticians / optical technicians are trained technicians who design, fit, and dispense eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices that correct vision.

(Only ophthalmologists are registered medical doctors with full medical ( 5 years ) and ophthalmic training ( at least 6 years ) to acquire the competency in managing all kinds of eye problems and diseases leading to visual impairment.)

	Main Scope of Service/ competency	Duration of Training
Ophthalmologist	Medical Doctor Manages all diseases of the eye and the whole visual system, including the use of optical, medical, and surgical treatments.	13 years
Optometrist	Vision testing and refractive corrections. Prescription of optical aids, including spectacles, that aim to enhance vision.	5 years
Orthoptist	Evaluation of eye movement and binocular vision problems. Prescription of eye training, eye exercises, prisms or glasses.	3 - 4 years (overseas degree only)
Dispensing Optician/ Optical Technician	Advises, fits and supplies spectacles after taking account of each patient's visual, lifestyle and vocational needs.	3 years (overseas degree) Or 1-2 years (vocational training with certificates in Hong Kong)

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