The Who and Where of Buying CONTACT LENSES
There are three types of eye professionals who, by law, are qualified to fit contact lenses: ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. Unfortunately, most people aren’t sure of the differences among them.
OPHTHALMOLOGIST (M.D.)
This is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of the eye. He or she prescribes whatever eye treatment you may need, including prescriptions for glasses and the fitting of contact lenses. All ophthalmologists can provide a prescription for glasses and contact lenses; half of them also specialize in fitting contact lenses. Ophthalmologists spend a minimum of eight years training after college: After four years of general medical study at an approved medical school, they then spend an additional one to two years in general internship, and at least three more years in special ophthalmologic residency training at an approved hospital. Read the rest of this entry »
