Optician Nyc-optician (212) 245-0686

Optician NYC

A dispensing optician fits eyeglasses and, in some states, contact lenses. They analyze and interpret prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists to determine which eyeglasses or contact lenses are best suited to the patient's lifestyle and visual needs.

The optician takes eye measurements to insure proper lens placement in the eyeglasses' frame and verifies the accuracy of the finished product. She or he also may manufacture (grind) lenses from raw materials and cut them to fit into the frame. Before designing contact lenses, the optician evaluates the patient's eyes under a special microscope and measures the curvature of the eye. The optician instructs the patient in the care and handling of contact lenses.

Opticians may hold an associate opticianry degree or may have apprenticed for a required number of hours. In most states that require an optician to be licensed, candidates must pass an examination given by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). Some states also require that candidates pass a state board exam. Opticians can take the National Contact Lens Examination (NCLE), which in certain states allows them to fit and dispense contact lenses.

Ophthalmologist NYC

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor practicing ophthalmology. An ophthalmologist works to diagnose, treat and correct visual impairment and eye disease. These doctors can identify eye problems and discover the source, so that proper treatment can take place.

Ophthalmologists also often provide routine vision care services such as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. The training required to become an ophthalmologist includes at least four years of medical school (after undergraduate college); a one-year internship in general medicine, usually at a hospital; and a three-year residency in ophthalmology at an accredited teaching program. Many ophthalmologists choose to complete one or two additional years of training in a fellowship, concentrating on a particular aspect of medical or surgical eye care.

Board certification means that an ophthalmologist, an Eye M.D., has taken and passed z rigorous examination, which covers all aspects of medical and surgical eye care. These examinations are voluntary. An ophthalmologist does not have to be board-certified to practice. The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) is the main certifying body for ophthalmologists in the United States. Medical specialty boards - including the ABO - are accredited by an "umbrella" organization that sets standards for certifying physicians.

A general ophthalmologist provides comprehensive eye care. While all ophthalmologists specialize in treatment of eyes, some choose to concentrate in a more specific area. This is usually after completing a fellowship. Some subspecialties focus on treatment of a particular disease, such as glaucoma. Others may specialize in a specific part of the eye like the retina or the cornea, or in a particular field such as pediatric care.