Print 
Share 
Text 
To reset, hold the Ctrl key, then press 0.
“Do I need to see an optician, optometrist, orthoptist or ophthalmologist?”
Choosing the right specialist depends on your specific eye care needs.
We asked Ophthalmologist Dr. Annick Fournier to break down each role to help you see the difference (and we promise you that’s our one and only eye-rolling pun for this article!).
Optician
“Do you prefer bifocals or progressives?” Opticians guide you on choosing your glasses and contact lenses. Following the prescription from the optometrist or ophthalmologist, the optician will advise you on the type of lenses and frames that will best suit your comfort, preferences and budget.
Optometrist
“Please read the chart, starting at the top.” If you’ve ever had an eye exam, you’re probably familiar with the classic eye chart. Eye exams are administered by optometrists, who also provide plenty of other vision care services, including screening for eye diseases and treatment of minor eye conditions. Depending on your needs, they will also prescribe corrective lenses.
Orthoptist
“Are you experiencing any double or blurred vision?” These professionals assess, re-educate and rehabilitate binocular visual function, which is the ability to use both eyes together to create a single image. Orthoptists work closely with ophthalmologists to manage and treat eye diseases.
Ophthalmologist
“Have you had any previous eye surgeries or treatments?” Ophthalmologists like Dr. Fournier evaluate patients affected by eye diseases and provide medical and surgical care. In this video, Dr. Fournier shares more about her role at The Ottawa Hospital:
Support patient care and research at
The Ottawa Hospital
You might also like…
Novice nurses and their mentors learn and grow together
Discover how mentorships at The Ottawa Hospital facilitate a smoother transition into practice for novice nurses, allow experienced nurses to hone their leadership skills, and play a crucial role in retaining nurses from both generations.
Respirologist answers FAQs about cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disease affecting children and young adults in Canada. Respirologist Dr. Shawn Aaron provides an overview of CF, including causes, symptoms, and the remarkable improvements made in life expectancy over the years.
5 things to know if you or someone you love is dealing with infertility
Around the world, one in six couples struggle to make their dreams of parenthood a reality. Dr. Jenna Gale, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, shares advice to help you or a loved one on the fertility journey.
Understanding rabies: Risks, vaccination and what to do after a bite
Although rare in Canada, rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Infectious diseases expert Dr. Michaeline McGuinty shares how rabies is spread, when to get vaccinated and what to do after a bite.
Do you have a surgery coming up? Here are five “prehab” tips to help you recover faster
You’ve probably heard about rehabilitation, but what about “prehabilitation”? Prehab is all about getting your body and mind in top shape before surgery so you can enjoy a smoother, quicker recovery. Discover five essential prehab strategies from researcher Dr. Daniel McIsaac.
“My story doesn’t have to be your story”: New screening test better at preventing cervical cancer
“I went from being a 32-year-old new mom to a cancer patient with an incurable diagnosis.” Alicia’s journey underscores the critical role of HPV testing in preventing cervical cancer. Discover how the new HPV test can save lives and find out how to book your cervical screening appointment with our “Superscreener.”