Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a licensed physician who practices medicine. This medical doctor can perform delicate eye surgeries, prescribe medication and diagnose diseases of the eye. The training involved to become an ophthalmologist includes a minimum of: four years of pre-med, four years of medical school and four years of surgical residency. During the surgical residency, the surgeon is trained in all aspects of medicine and surgery, but he or she specializes in microscopic eye surgery.

Optometrist

An optometrist is a licensed practitioner who is trained to evaluate vision and to assess and treat ocular diseases of the eye. This doctor also measures refractive errors, prescribes glasses or contacts and assists low vision patients. Optometrists train for four years at an accredited optometry school where they complete one year of clinical rotations. Once a four-year degree is completed, optometrists have the option of completing an additional year of residency in a subspecialty such as contact lenses, pediatrics, low vision or ocular disease.

Optician

An optician makes prescription lenses for spectacles, assists in frame and lens selection and dispensing as well as contact lens training on insertion and removal. Training to become an optician is usually on-the-job or through apprenticeships that last two or more years. Some states require a license to be an optician. Opticians may apply to the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) for certification of their job skills. Certification is renewed every three years through continuing education.

Registered Nurse

A registered nurse (R.N.) can assess health situations, prepare patients for and assist with examinations, implement care, administer medication, assist with surgery, maintain records and evaluate outcomes. Training to become an R.N. involves earning either a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, which takes approximately four years to complete or an Associate degree in Nursing, which takes two or three years to complete. R.N.’s must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a licensing exam to get their nursing license. A current license from the state in which he or she practices is required, and renewal of that license often involves continuing education.

Ophthalmic Vision Technologist

Ophthalmic vision techs assist eye doctors in evaluating patient eyesight and in surgery preparation. They manage patient flow by performing patient assessments including visual acuities, ophthalmic measurements and auto-refraction. They may also administer ophthalmic medications.