The difference between an optician, an optometrist, and an ophthalmologist?

Education: Opticians are technicians who fix, assemble and fit glasses according to a prescription. Optoms go to a combination business, trade school and are skilled in eyeglass and contact lense fitting. They treat some simple eye disease. Ophthalmologists a fully trained doctors who then take 5-8 years of training in surgical and medical eye disease. They are the first line in sight diagnosis/treatment.

Focus and training.: An optician is licensed to sell and make lenses. The optometrist examines eyes for glasses and diseases. Typically four years after college are needed. Ophthalmologists go to medical school, then do four years specialization in eye care which includes surgical training. Subspecialists do additional training after residency in ophthalmology in areas such as oculoplastics, retina, refractive, etc.