What is an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, an optician, an orthoptist?

First, it's important to understand what each type of eye care professional can do for you:

• Ophthalmologist - An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye diseases, prescribes medications, and performs surgery to improve, or prevent the worsening of, eye and vision-related conditions. An ophthalmologist will have the initials "M.D." after his or her name.
• Optometrist - An optometrist diagnoses eye diseases and prescribes eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision devices, vision therapy, and medications to treat eye diseases. An optometrist will have the initials "O.D." after his or her name.

If you do not have an eye doctor, a good way to start is to make an appointment with an optometrist, who can diagnose and treat many common eye problems and is similar to a primary care doctor.

If you need surgery or specialty care, an optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist or a sub-specialist, such as a retinal specialist, who can address specialized treatments such as those needed for macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

• Low Vision Specialist - Many optometrists and some ophthalmologists have an additional specialization in low vision testing, diagnosis, and treatment, and are trained to conduct low vision eye examinations and prescribe special low vision optical devices.

If you're experiencing significant vision loss, a low vision specialist can determine whether special optical and non-optical devices, improved lighting, or other types of specialized services and equipment can help.

• Orthoptist - An orthoptist works under the direction of an ophthalmologist to evaluate and treat eye disorders with an emphasis on binocular vision (using both eyes to see) and eye movements; much of their work is with children.
• Optician - An optician fits eyeglasses and, in some states, contact lenses, analyzes and interprets prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists, and takes eye measurements to ensure that eyeglass prescriptions are correct and fit properly.

Locate an eye care professional in your area

• Visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology website and use their "Find an Eye MD" online database to locate an ophthalmologist in your area.
• Visit the American Optometric Association website and use their "Dr. Locator" online database to locate an optometrist in your area.
• Use the searchable databases at VisionConnection and LowVision.com to locate a low vision specialist in your area.
• Ask for a recommendation from family members, friends, or your family doctor.
• Call your local hospitals and ask if they have outpatient ophthalmology departments.
• Check your health insurance plan for listings of approved eye care providers.
• In most cases, it is not recommended that you visit an optician for your initial exam and diagnosis.

If your vision loss can't be corrected and interferes with your everyday living, vision rehabilitation services can help maintain or restore your independent living skills.