Optometrist, ophthalmologist or optician: who should you see?
By See Better · Updated · 4 min read
The short answer
An optometrist tests your eyes, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and checks for eye disease. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who treats eye disease and performs eye surgery. A dispensing optician makes and fits glasses from a prescription. For a routine eye test or new glasses, start with an optometrist.
Key points
- Optometrist: eye tests, prescriptions and first-line eye health checks.
- Ophthalmologist: a specialist doctor for eye disease, injuries and surgery.
- Dispensing optician: fits and supplies glasses, but does not test eyes.
- All three must be registered with the HPCSA, and you can check the register online.
The three eye-care professions at a glance
| Optometrist | Ophthalmologist | Dispensing optician | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training | Four-year university degree in optometry | Medical degree, then several more years specialising in eyes | Diploma in optical dispensing |
| Tests eyes and prescribes glasses | Yes | Yes, though it is not their main work | No |
| Fits contact lenses | Yes | Sometimes | Supplies them on prescription |
| Diagnoses and treats eye disease | Detects disease, manages some conditions and refers | Yes | No |
| Performs surgery | No | Yes | No |
| Do you need a referral? | No | Often, depending on your medical aid | No |
What an optometrist does
An optometrist is your first stop for eye care. In South Africa, optometrists complete a four-year degree and must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). They:
- test your sight and work out your prescription
- prescribe and supply glasses and contact lenses
- examine the health of your eyes and look for signs of conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease
- check how your eyes focus and work together
- refer you to an ophthalmologist or your doctor when something needs medical treatment
Optometrists with additional training may also treat certain eye conditions with medication. For most people an optometrist is the only eye-care professional they will need for years at a time. What happens during an eye test explains what a visit involves.
What an ophthalmologist does
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has specialised in eyes. After a medical degree and work as a doctor, they train for several more years as an eye specialist. They diagnose and treat eye disease, prescribe medication and operate. You would see an ophthalmologist for:
- cataract surgery
- treatment of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy
- retinal tears and detachments
- serious eye injuries and infections
- squint surgery and laser vision correction
Some medical schemes ask for a referral before they pay for a specialist visit, so check your plan's rules.
What a dispensing optician does
A dispensing optician takes the prescription written by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and turns it into a finished pair of glasses. They help you choose frames and lenses, take the measurements, and adjust the fit. They do not test eyes or diagnose eye conditions.
Who to see for what
- Blurry vision, headaches, new glasses or a routine check: an optometrist.
- A driver's licence eye test: an optometrist.
- A child who squints or struggles at school: an optometrist first, who will refer if needed.
- Diabetes: a yearly eye check. Your optometrist or doctor will advise whether you need to see an ophthalmologist.
- A diagnosed eye disease or planned eye surgery: an ophthalmologist.
- Glasses that need adjusting or repairing: whoever supplied them, or a dispensing optician.
- Sudden loss of vision, a painful red eye or an eye injury: an emergency unit or an ophthalmologist, straight away. See eye emergencies: when to get help.
How to check that someone is registered
Anyone practising as an optometrist, ophthalmologist or dispensing optician in South Africa must be registered with the HPCSA. You can search the public register, called iRegister, on the HPCSA website using the person's name or registration number. It shows their profession and whether their registration is active. A registered practitioner will not mind you asking for their number.
This matters most when you buy glasses. The HPCSA has warned the public against buying prescription glasses and contact lenses from unregistered sellers who do not examine your eyes properly.
Where See Better fits in
See Better is an optometry practice without a shopfront. A qualified, HPCSA-registered optometrist comes to your home, workplace, school or event anywhere in Gauteng, tests your eyes and supplies your glasses. If the optometrist finds something that needs a specialist, you are referred. See how an eye test at home works.
Frequently asked questions
Is an optometrist a doctor?
Not a medical doctor. An optometrist holds a university degree in optometry and is a registered healthcare professional trained in vision and eye health. An ophthalmologist is the medical doctor who specialises in eyes.
Do I need a referral to see an optometrist?
No. You can book directly with an optometrist at any time. You do not need a letter from a doctor.
Can an optometrist diagnose glaucoma or cataracts?
An optometrist can detect the signs of both during an eye test and will refer you to an ophthalmologist, who confirms the diagnosis and provides medical or surgical treatment.
Who should I see for an eye infection?
For a mild red or sticky eye, a pharmacist, GP or optometrist can advise you. If the eye is very painful, sensitive to light, or your vision is affected, treat it as urgent and see a doctor the same day.
This article is general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an eye examination. If you are worried about your eyes or your sight, see an optometrist or a doctor. Sudden loss of vision, eye injuries and severe eye pain are emergencies.
