Optician vs Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist: who should you see for myopia?

If your child is short-sighted (myopic) or you’re noticing distance blur yourself, it can be confusing to know which eye professional to book with. Here’s a simple guide to the difference between an optician, an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, and how each supports children and adults with myopia.

Quick definitions

Optometrist: Your primary eye care clinician. Tests eyesight, diagnoses myopia, checks eye health, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and provides myopia management options. Refers to ophthalmology if needed.

Dispensing optician: An eyewear expert. Advises on frames and lenses and fits glasses. Some have extra certification to fit contact lenses, but they don’t diagnose eye conditions.

Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor (eye specialist) who manages complex eye disease and performs surgery. Usually seen after referral from an optometrist.

Note on terminology

UK: “Optometrist” examines eyes; “dispensing optician” supplies eyewear; “ophthalmologist” is a hospital eye doctor.

US and elsewhere: People sometimes say “optician” for anyone in the optical shop, but the clinical examiner is the optometrist.

How each professional helps with myopia

Optometrist

• Confirms myopia (short-sightedness) and checks how fast it’s progressing.

• Prescribes glasses or contact lenses for clear vision.

• Provides myopia management options to slow progression, such as:

• Special myopia-control glasses (e.g., defocus or multifocal designs)

• Myopia-control soft contact lenses (e.g., dual‑focus designs)

• Orthokeratology (overnight lenses that reshape the cornea)

• Low-dose atropine eye drops (often co-managed with ophthalmology, depending on local regulations)

• Monitors eye health, including the retina and optic nerve, and may measure axial length (eye size) where available.

• Advises on lifestyle steps: more outdoor time, regular screen breaks, good working distances and lighting.

Dispensing optician

• Helps select comfortable, well‑fitting frames for children and adults.

• Recommends lens materials and coatings suited to prescriptions and lifestyles (e.g., impact-resistant options for kids, thinner lenses for higher myopia).

• Fits and adjusts glasses so they sit correctly for best vision and comfort.

• Some are qualified contact lens opticians and can fit certain lenses under an optometrist’s or ophthalmologist’s direction.

Ophthalmologist

• Manages medical and surgical eye conditions (e.g., retinal problems, cataract, glaucoma).

• Oversees complex or high-risk myopia cases, such as pathological/degenerative myopia or complications like retinal tears.

• May prescribe atropine for myopia control in regions where this is a medical-only medicine.

• Works closely with optometrists for shared care and ongoing monitoring.

Who should you see first for myopia?

• Routine care and first checks: Book with an optometrist. Children can usually be tested from around age 3–4, and at least every two years, or more often if there are concerns. If myopia is suspected or already present, more frequent reviews are common.

• Myopia management: See an optometrist who specifically offers myopia management. Ask what options they provide, how they monitor progression (e.g., axial length), and their review schedule.

• Medical concerns or urgent symptoms: If an optometrist finds a problem, they’ll refer you to ophthalmology. Go straight to urgent care if you have sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a shower of floaters, eye pain, significant redness after an injury, or a curtain-like shadow—these are emergencies.

What to expect at a child myopia appointment

• Detailed history: Family history, near work and screen use, time spent outdoors, symptoms.

• Vision and prescription tests: To measure how short-sighted your child is.

• Eye health checks: Often includes drops to dilate pupils for a thorough retinal view.

• Discussion of options: Glasses, contact lenses (including myopia-control designs), orthokeratology, and whether atropine is appropriate locally.

• Lifestyle advice: Practical tips to support visual comfort and healthy habits.

• Monitoring plan: Regular reviews (often every 3–6 months for active myopia management), sometimes with axial length measurements.

How these professionals work together

• Optometrists lead primary care and myopia management.

• Dispensing opticians ensure eyewear fits and performs as intended.

• Ophthalmologists manage medical/surgical issues and co-manage complex myopia. Good communication between providers helps keep your child’s eyes healthy and vision clear.

Common questions

Can an optician diagnose myopia?

A dispensing optician does not diagnose. An optometrist examines and diagnoses; an ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats medical conditions.

Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist?

Typically yes—your optometrist or GP refers you, especially within the UK/NHS.

Is myopia management safe for children?

Evidence-based options like myopia-control glasses, contact lenses, orthokeratology and low-dose atropine are widely used under professional supervision. Your optometrist will discuss suitability, benefits and risks for your child.

Will my child still need glasses?

Myopia management aims to slow progression, not cure myopia. Many children still wear glasses or contact lenses but benefit from reduced long-term risks associated with higher myopia.

For most myopia concerns—especially in children—start with an optometrist experienced in myopia management.

Use a dispensing optician for expert eyewear fitting and comfort.

See an ophthalmologist when medical or surgical care is needed or if you’re referred for complications.

If you’re a parent navigating myopia, early action matters. Book a comprehensive eye examination, ask about myopia management options, and set up a regular monitoring plan. Small steps now can make a big difference to lifelong eye health.