08/24/2022
By Kristen Mayne
There are three different eye care professionals who provide patient care in Canada: optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists. In this article we’ll explain the difference between them.
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is a primary care health-care provider who can diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye and its structures. Their practice involves:
performing eye exams
detecting eye irregularities
prescribing and dispensing eyewear including glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and low vision aids
treating glaucoma and other eye conditions
performing vision tests and providing vision therapy
providing referrals to other specialists, like ophthalmologists, for treatment of disease or for eye surgery
And depending on the province, optometrists can prescribe and administer drugs for some eye conditions.
Optometrist training and licensing: Optometrists have a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Every province and territory regulates the professional obligations of optometrists. This means optometrists need a license in their province to practice.
Optometrist cost and insurance coverage in Canada: You don’t need a referral to see an optometrist. Provincial health coverage varies. If you have private health benefits, check your plan to see what coverage you have.
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a specialized medical doctor who diagnoses and treats eye disorders. Because they are medical doctors, they can also diagnose disease that manifests as signs or symptoms in the eye.
An ophthalmologist can offer the same medical services as an optometrist. This includes prescribing and fitting eyewear to correct vision problems. An ophthalmologist can also:
diagnose and treat all eye conditions
perform eye surgeries
Many ophthalmologists also do scientific research on the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision disorders.
Ophthalmologist training and licensing: In Canada, ophthalmologists graduate medical school and then complete an ophthalmology residency. The residency lasts at least five years. Ophthalmologists are licensed provincially and territorially by the medical regulatory authority in the province where they practice.
Ophthalmologist cost and insurance coverage in Canada: You’ll need a referral to see an ophthalmologist. A referral can be made by a physician or optometrist. Ophthalmologists are covered by provincial health insurance plans.
What is an optician?
An optician is a professional that is trained to fit vision aids like glasses and contact lenses. They use prescriptions supplied by ophthalmologists or optometrists, but do not test vision or write prescriptions. Opticians do not diagnose or treat eye diseases.
Optician training and licensing: Opticians complete an Optician Training Program. To practice they must complete a licensing exam. Then apply for registration to their provincial regulatory body, usually a college of opticians.
Depending on the province they reside in, some opticians may decide to become a licensed Contact Lens Fitter. This requires them to complete a Contact Lens program and exam. They then apply to their provincial regulatory body for a license to dispense contact lenses.
Optician cost and insurance coverage in Canada: Opticians work in a retail setting. There is no cost for an optician’s services. You will have to pay for your glasses and contact lenses. If you have private health benefits, check your plan to see what coverage you have.
