Eye Specialists

Eye Specialists

Students often ask what the differences are between Optometrists, Orthoptists and Ophthalmologists. 

Below is a summary of the three as posted on the Vision Australia website.

• Optometrists

Optometrists are eye care professionals who examine the eyes and visual systems to detect vision changes and diagnose eye diseases.

On an average day, an optometrist will examine eyes to diagnose eye conditions and prescribe corrective lenses.

Often, the optometrist will be a person’s first point of contact before they are referred to Ophthalmologists and Orthoptists.In Victoria, students can study optometry at - 

Deakin University - Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry

University of Melbourne - Doctor of Optometry 

• Orthoptists

Orthoptists are eye care professionals who work with patients to manage a broad range of eye diseases.

Orthoptists are involved in the management of eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, lazy eye, and macular degeneration.Often, Orthoptists will work in clinics alongside Ophthalmologists working on assessing and managing people’s eye conditions.

In Victoria, students can study orthoptics at - 

La Trobe University - Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours) 

• Ophthalmologists

   

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have further specialised in medical and surgical eye disease. 

Most commonly, ophthalmologists are involved in the assessment, diagnosis and medical treatment of eye disease.

Many eye conditions can be treated with medication, surgery, or other medical interventions, and ophthalmologists manage this.

Ophthalmologists are also highly specialised, which means individuals with complex care needs may see multiple ophthalmologists to ensure all aspects of their condition are managed appropriately.