What are the differences, if any, between an: 1) Ophthalmologist; 2) Optometrist; 3) Optician; and 4) Optimist

In short...

Ophthalmologist: Eye surgeon, full drug prescribing. Mainly diagnose and treat pathology. Can also prescribe glasses They are MDs

Optometrist: Diagnose eye problems, mainly deal with glasses, contacts etc., limited drug prescribing. They are ODs (doctor of optometry)

Optician: Can only make glasses not prescribe them, no drug prescribing, no diagnosis

Optimist: one who has a positive outlook :)

differences 1 ophthalmologist 2 optometrist 3 optician 4 optimist

An ophthalmologist is a full-fledged physician who specializes in diseases and disorders of the eye and related body parts (eyelids, optic nerve, the brain, lacrimal system, etc.)

An optometrist might do a few tests which determine whether you should consult an ophthalmologist, but primarily exists to examine your vision and fit you with corrective lenses.

An optician grinds lenses and makes glasses.

An optimist may be a member of Optimist International (a service organization largely oriented to bringing out the best in kids), or someone who has a positive outlook, or is a dinghy designed to train children in sailing.

1) A ophthalmologist is a physician specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye.

2) A optometrist is one who specializes in optometry.

3) An optician is one who makes lenses and eyeglasses.

4) An optimist is one who habitually or in a particular case expects a favorable outcome.

I agree with Lilia. An ophthalmologist is an MD (must have graduated from medical school) who specializes in illnesses and injuries to the eye. Some ophthalmologists specialize, for example in cataract surgery. Optometrists go to optometry school. They screen for glaucoma for example but are not medical doctors. Optometrists mainly check vision and prescribe glasses or contact lenses.

Ophthamologist - an MD, or DO who provides surgical and pharmaceutical treatments for the eye. They are "Physicians".

Optometrist - A professional person who prescribes lens and does other testing of the eyes.

Optician - Optic Theorists would be better. Optician work in conjunction with Optometrists and as a consultant to Ophthamologists. They also work in physics, photographic labs, lighting, special effects,... A lengthy lists.

Optimist - George Bush.

1 ophthalmologist can do eye surgeries

2 optometrist gives eye exams etc

3 optician just fits and makes glasses

4 it someone who looks on the bright side

The level of schooling. An opthalmologist has a doctors degree and has gone to more than two years of medical schooling and on a general basis can perform surgury on your eyes. Optometrists and others usually are ones that can only write perscriptions for your eyes and diagnose issues with them.