What is an optician? A Simple Guide for People With Myopia and Parents

An “optician” often refers to the place you go for an eye test. But within eye care, an optician is usually a dispensing optician. They are trained professionals who help you choose, fit, and adjust glasses and contact lenses based on a prescription. They make sure your lenses match your prescription, sit correctly, and suit your lifestyle. They do not typically perform full eye examinations or diagnose eye disease.

Types of eye care professionals

Understanding the difference helps you book the right appointment:

Optometrist: The primary clinician who carries out eye tests. They measure your vision and prescription, assess eye health, detect conditions like myopia, and can prescribe glasses or contact lenses. They will refer you if medical treatment is needed.

Dispensing optician: The specialist who interprets your prescription and helps you select and fit glasses or contact lenses. They advise on lens types, coatings, and frame fit. Some may be trained to fit certain contact lenses.

Ophthalmologist: A medically trained eye doctor who diagnoses and treats eye diseases, performs surgery, and manages complex conditions. You’ll usually see them after a referral.

So, what is an optician in practical terms? If you’re getting glasses fitted for your child’s myopia, you’ll likely see a dispensing optician after your child’s eye test with an optometrist.

Who should you see for myopia?

Suspected myopia or changing vision: Book an eye test with an optometrist.

Choosing and fitting glasses or contact lenses: See a dispensing optician.

Medical or surgical care (rare in routine myopia): You’ll be referred to an ophthalmologist if needed.

What happens at a myopia-focused eye appointment?

An optometrist will:

• Check vision and measure your glasses prescription.

• Assess eye health and risk factors (family history, rapid changes, lifestyle).

• For children, talk about screen time, outdoor time, and reading habits.

• Discuss options to correct vision and, where appropriate, slow myopia progression.

A dispensing optician will:

• Help choose frames that fit well and are comfortable.

• Recommend lens designs that reduce thickness and weight.

• Advise on coatings (anti-reflection, blue-control, scratch resistance).

• Fit and adjust frames for comfort and clear vision.

Myopia management options

For adults:

• Glasses: Single-vision lenses, high-index materials for thinner lenses, and suitable coatings.

• Contact lenses: Daily or monthly lenses; toric lenses for astigmatism. Some adults may consider orthokeratology (night lenses) if suitable.

For children:

• Myopia control glasses: Special lens designs (for example, DIMS or similar) shown to slow progression.

• Myopia control contact lenses: Daily disposable designs (such as dual-focus) that can slow the rate of worsening.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight lenses that reshape the cornea temporarily.

• Low-dose atropine eye drops: Prescribed by an eye care professional when appropriate.

Your optometrist will advise which options fit your child’s age, prescription, and lifestyle, and your dispensing optician will help with the practical fit.

How often should you have eye tests?

Children: At least once a year if they have myopia or risk factors. Start routine checks by age 4–5, or earlier if there’s a family history or concerns.

Adults: Every two years, or more often if your optometrist recommends it.

Book sooner if you notice headaches, squinting, sitting close to screens, struggling to see the board at school, or sudden changes in vision.

Key takeaway

What is an optician? They are the professionals who help you or your child get the right glasses or contact lenses, ensuring comfort and clarity. For diagnosing and managing myopia, start with an optometrist, then work with a dispensing optician for the best fit and lens choices. If medical treatment is needed, you’ll be referred to an ophthalmologist.

If you’re unsure where to start, book an eye test with a registered optometrist and ask about myopia management. Then, speak with a dispensing optician to find comfortable, effective eyewear that suits everyday life.