Vision Care Professionals

When you visit an Eye Recommend clinic, you will meet a range of health care professionals trained to assess your eye health and help you see better—whether you’re near or far-sighted or have low vision due to more complex eye health issues.

Optometrist (Doctor of Optometry)

An optometrist will use different instruments and procedures (non-surgical) to examine the eye in order to diagnose visual defects or eye health conditions.  They often co-manage your health care with physicians and other medical professionals as required.

The optometrist also prescribes and fits glasses, contact lenses or other devices to correct, relieve or treat the eye, as well as prescribing and managing therapies to improve your visual health.

Optometrists are primary care health providers who are regulated by provincial and Canadian optometric associations.

Optician

An optician is a licensed professional trained to fit, and dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, artificial eyes and other devices. They take written prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists (medical doctors who specialize in the eye) and determine the exact specifications of the glasses, contact lenses or other appliances you need to see your best.

Opticians are regulated in Canada and governed provincially by strict standards, ensuring the highest level of care.

Optometric Assistant

Optometric assistants are specially trained and certified professionals who assist an optometrist in providing eye care to patients. They often complete the tests that are performed before you meet the optometrist.

Optometric assistants are also specifically trained to help patients select frames, lenses, and contact lenses based on the parameters put forward by the optometrist.  It is their responsibility to ensure that you are looking your best and maximizing your vision potential.