An easy way to think about it is that, an ophthalmic optician is a healthcare expert who provides corrective lenses based on a prescription as judged by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Corrective lenses could come in the form of either contact lenses or glasses. The job of the ophthalmic optician is to exchange the prescription into a custom-designed opthalmic lens.

The definition may be simple however the actual transition takes an immense amount of consultation, skill and workmanship. An optometrist will confer with patients to produce eyewear that best meet their demands by collecting information about the patient on the purpose of the specs, their level of physical activity, the necessity of protection and the contour of facial features and the eye.

Ophthalmic opticians use a variety of tools ranging from simple measuring contraptions to more complex examination devices. This allows the ophthalmic optician to produce a custom design, fitting and dispensing of the eyewear to meet the unique needs of individual patients.

Using the prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, the ophthalmic optician, they use a number of techniques and equipment that will give the necessary correction to an individual’s eyesight. Optometrists also design and fit special lenses to correct cosmetic, traumatic or anatomical defects. Successful corrective eyewear hinges greatly on the skill and the craft of Optometrists to ensure comfort, taste preferences, functionality and design.

Ophthalmic opticians may work in a variety of settings such as independent or joint practice, hospitals, eye care centers or retail stores. However, registered Optometrists have got to meet standards of practice and training, commit to ongoing education, hold professional liability insurance and are held to these standards by their respective regulating bodies.

The most advantageous arena is to locate Optometrists who provide services within an eye care center and work in a team with other eye care professionals such as optometrists, ophthalmologists and technicians. These services are provided within the context of larger eye care centers and also known as “on-site optical” units.

The advantages of an “on-site optical” department is that the ophthalmic optician has easy accessibility to other eye care professionals and co-workers, allowing the optometrist to troubleshoot any problems or obstacles that might arise from patients.