Maintaining healthy eyesight is a responsibility AND a necessity, and it depends very much on visiting the right eye care professional. Every patient has different needs, and depending on the need, there’s a time for an optician, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Each practitioner plays an important part in eye care, and each has a training and expertise that defines an area of practice. For the patient, it’s important to choose the eye care professional that best suits, and to be consistent when it comes to preventive and ongoing care.
The Optician
Quite simply, an optician is more of a technician – trained to professionally fit eyeglasses, frames, and contact lenses. Supplied with prescriptions from the ophthalmologist or optometrist, the optician is able to properly fit a patient with the appropriate corrective eye ware. Opticians do not engage in vision testing, nor do they write prescriptions. And although they are professionally licensed, they are not allowed to diagnose any eye diseases, or for that matter, treat disease. Being regulated, opticians provide the highest standard of care.
The Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in vision health. Ophthalmologists are licensed, and are trained to practice eye medicine and eye surgery. They diagnose and treat all manner of eye diseases; they perform eye surgery when required; and they prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. Ophthalmologists also teach, and in some cases are involved in scientific research. Some are engaged in sub-specialties, where additional training and education would be required (like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts).
The Optometrist
An optometrist is an eye-care professional who provides primary vision care. Amongst the many services provided are vision testing and diagnosis, as well as treatment and management of various vision related ailments. Although the optometrist is not a licensed Medical Doctor, a recognized degree (OD) is bestowed after completing the required amount of education and training.
The optometrist is licensed to perform eye examinations and vision tests; prescribe corrective lenses; detect specific eye abnormalities; and provide prescriptions. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. Brian Abrams offers his services throughout the Woodbridge region, along with a staff of trained clinic professionals. For Dr. Abrams and the eye-care team, patient health is a priority.
At the Woodbridge Eye Care Clinic, Dr. Abrams treats children, adults, and seniors. The clinic offers a range of eye-care services including: treatment of different eye ailments; prescriptions for glasses and contacts; and emergency eye care. As the local optometrist, Dr. Abrams is focused on early detection; on immediate and accurate diagnosis; and on the appropriate follow-up treatment.
The Woodbridge Eye Care Clinic also houses an Optical Boutique that stocks frames, lenses and contacts, with everything under the same roof. It means that shopping for corrective eyewear includes professional guidance from knowledgeable staff. Dr. Brian Abrams and the team make sure that ever patient sees clearly and feels comfortable with their new glasses or contact lenses.
Every one of us depends on our vision – and very often more than we think. Our ability to do our work, to drive, to play, and to watch entertainment all depends on good vision and healthy eyes. And visiting the local optometrist will make all the difference in maintaining that healthy vision.
