Optician or Optometrist?

You may be wondering what the difference is between an Optician and an Optometrist is - so here's an explanation.

About 20 years ago there were Ophthalmic Opticians and Dispensing Opticians but it was decided by our professional bodies that these names were too complicated and that we should become Optometrists and Opticians. Unfortunately this has not proved to be much easier to understand.  An Ophthalmic Optician or Optometrist has studied at university to obtain a B.Sc. degree in Optometry and then, during at least a year working under supervision, has taken further professional exams to obtain fellowship, or now membership, of the College of Optometrists. (F.C.Optom. or M.C.Optom.).   A fellowship was granted to those of us who were already qualified and Fellows of the British College of Optometrists (F.B.C.O) when the name was changed.   As Ophthalmic Opticians or Optometrists we are qualified to examine your eyes, fit contact lenses and dispense any spectacles that you require.   If we note anything of concern we will then refer you to your GP for further investigation by the appropriate specialist.

A Dispensing Optician or Optician is qualified to dispense your spectacles but not to examine your eyes.   Some Dispensing Opticians take further exams to become Contact Lens Opticians which enables them to fit contact lenses.   Where a practice is owned by a Dispensing Optician, an Optometrist or OMP will often be employed to carry out the examinations. An OMP? - Ophthalmic Medical Practitioner - this is a Doctor who examines eyes.      

We are Ophthalmic Opticians or Optometrists and will be personally responsible for all your examinations for both your spectacles and contact lenses, as well as the supply of your spectacles - there will be no "production line" handovers to different members of staff.