When you have eye problems or need glasses, you encounter various eye care professionals: ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. Although their fields of work sometimes overlap, their training and competencies differ significantly. Especially when it comes to your child’s eye health, it is important to know who is responsible for what tasks.
An ophthalmologist is a medical specialist with a completed medical degree and several years of further training in ophthalmology. In Switzerland, specialist training takes at least five years after passing the state examination. Ophthalmologists are qualified to diagnose and treat all eye diseases – from refractive errors to glaucoma and cataracts, to complex retinal diseases. They perform surgical procedures, prescribe medications, and manage chronic eye diseases.
Optometrists have completed an independent university degree program in optometry. They perform comprehensive vision tests, determine glasses strength, fit contact lenses, and identify eye abnormalities. In many countries, they are permitted to treat certain eye diseases and prescribe medications – the exact scope varies depending on legislation. In Switzerland, optometrists refer patients to an ophthalmologist if an eye disease is suspected.
Optometrists are not doctors and do not perform surgical procedures.
An optician is a professional who manufactures, adjusts, and sells vision aids. After an apprenticeship or technical college degree, the optician manufactures glasses according to a prescription from a doctor or optometrist, advises on lens selection, and ensures the glasses fit properly. Opticians do not make medical diagnoses and do not treat eye diseases.
| Concern | Recommended Professional |
| --- | --- |
| Glasses determination, contact lens fitting | Optometrist or ophthalmologist |
| Have new glasses made, frame adjustment | Optician |
| Eye pain, redness, vision deterioration | Ophthalmologist |
| Strabismus, amblyopia, childhood eye diseases | Pediatric ophthalmologist |
| Eye surgery (cataract, strabismus, retina) | Ophthalmologist |
For children, we generally recommend examination by an ophthalmologist – particularly if abnormalities such as strabismus, frequent blinking, or tilted head posture are observed. An ophthalmologist can not only determine visual acuity but also comprehensively assess eye health and identify and treat any diseases early on.