What is an Optometrist?

Previously known as ophthalmic opticians, optometrists are primary healthcare specialists trained to assess the eyes to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular disease or abnormality and problems with general health. We have a responsibility to refer any abnormalities we find to a GP or Hospital eye dept as appropriate.

Other Eyecare professionals:

Dispensing Opticians advise on, fit and supply spectacle frames and lenses. Some may also fit contact lenses

Ophthalmic Medical practitioners are ophthalmologist who undertake NHS sight testing under an NHS contract

Ophthalmologists are medically qualified and specialise in eye disease, treatment and surgery

Orthoptists usually work with ophthalmologists and diagnose and treat problems of abnormal eye movements and binocular vision