Eye health professionals

Ophthalmologists

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has undertaken additional specialist training in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the eye and visual system.

Ophthalmology training equips eye specialists to provide the full spectrum of eye care, including the prescription of glasses and contact lenses, medical treatment and complex microsurgery. This additional training makes them a medical specialist just like a cardiologist, anaesthetist, gastroenterologist or gynaecologist.

An ophthalmologist in Australia and New Zealand is required to have undertaken a minimum of 12 years of training.

Where to get more information

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology - What is an Ophthalmologist

Optometrists

Optometrists are qualified to examine your eyes and to detect, diagnose and manage vision problems. They can often make vision clearer with glasses, contact lenses or other visual aids, or may prescribe exercises to strengthen the muscles in your eyes. They can advise and manage many aspects of your eye health including prescribing eye drops. You don’t need a referral to see an optometrist, but they may refer you on to another health expert if eye disease is detected or surgery required.

Where to get more information

Optometry Australia - Visting your Optometrist

Orthoptists

Orthoptists are eye health professionals who care for patients with eye disorders.

Through a unique set of skills, orthoptists play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis and management of eye diseases in both adults and children.

Orthoptists specialise in a variety of areas including:

• Children’s vision/Paediatrics
• Eye movement disorders
• Low vision care/Rehabilitation
• General eye disease
• Cataract care
• Retinal disorders
• Neurological vision disorders
• Laser eye surgery and corneal conditions
• Driver vision
• Sports vision
• Clinical Research
• Education

Where to get more information

Orthoptics Australia - Role of Orthoptist