Facts

Optometrists / Opticians

• Optometrists were once known as (Ophthalmic) Opticians, the name was changed to avoid confusion with Dispensing Opticians.
• Optometrists provide detailed eye examinations and advice on eye health, spectacles and contact lenses.
• A Dispensing Optician advises on, fits and supplies the most appropriate spectacles after taking account of each patient's visual, lifestyle and vocational needs.
• Dispensing Opticians also play an important role in advising and dispensing low vision aids to those who are partially sighted and in advising on and dispensing to children where appropriate.
• All Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians sell spectacles and supply and fit contact lenses. They will also advise you on what spectacles and contact lenses are suitable for you.
• Most Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians work from high street premises and are open 6 or 7 days per week. In quieter or more remote areas, they may open on a part-time basis. Advice is always available and appointments not always necessary.
• Optometrists study at University for years before they are qualified to examine your eyes or advise you on spectacle or contact lens prescriptions and are regulated by professional bodies. Beware of any 'advice' you receive from non-qualified persons or online retailers.
• The eye examination is paid for by the Scottish Government and has become the most detailed and comprehensive eye examination of its kind.
• Scottish Optometrists and the Scottish Government have worked together to enhance the scope of your eye examination. The eye exam in Scotland is paid for by the Scottish Government and is one of most comprehensive in the UK and possibly the world.