What Is an Optometrist? A Simple Guide for People With Myopia and Parents

If you’re trying to understand who to see for short-sightedness (myopia) — either for yourself or your child, here’s a clear, simple guide to what optometrists do, how they help manage myopia, and when to book an eye test.

What is an optometrist?

An optometrist is a primary eye care professional who examines your eyes, tests your vision, prescribes glasses or contact lenses, and checks for common eye conditions. They use specialist equipment to measure how well you see and how your eyes focus. Optometrists are often your first point of contact for any vision concerns, especially myopia.

Optometrist vs optician vs ophthalmologist

Optometrist: Tests vision, prescribes glasses/contacts, manages many eye problems, and monitors eye health. Can refer you to specialists if needed.

Dispensing optician: Fits and supplies glasses and some contact lenses based on the optometrist’s prescription. Does not perform eye exams.

Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor who diagnoses and treats eye diseases and performs surgery. You’ll usually see one via referral from your optometrist.

How optometrists help with myopia

Myopia means distant objects look blurry because light focuses in front of the retina instead of on it. Optometrists can:

• Confirm a myopia diagnosis through a comprehensive eye exam

• Prescribe glasses or contact lenses to give you clear distance vision

• Offer myopia control options to slow progression in children and teens

• Monitor eye health, since higher levels of myopia can increase the risk of certain eye conditions later in life

Common myopia control options discussed with an optometrist may include:

• Special soft contact lenses designed for myopia control (for example, dual-focus or multifocal designs)

• Orthokeratology (night-time contact lenses that reshape the cornea temporarily)

• Special myopia-control spectacle lenses

• Low-dose atropine eye drops (typically arranged with or under guidance from an eye care specialist)

• Lifestyle advice, like more outdoor time and regular breaks from near work

What to expect at a myopia-focused eye test

A typical myopia assessment with an optometrist may include:

• Vision check: Reading letters on a chart to measure clarity at distance and near

• Refraction: Finding your exact glasses or contact lens prescription

• Eye health check: Looking at the front and back of your eyes to ensure they’re healthy

• Focusing and alignment tests: Especially important for children with progressing myopia

• Axial length measurement (if available): Measures the length of the eye to track myopia progression more precisely

• For children, the optometrist will make the exam friendly and age-appropriate, sometimes without needing to read letters. They may use drops to get the most accurate prescription.

How often should you or your child see an optometrist?

• Children with myopia: Every 6–12 months, or as advised, to monitor for progression

• Adults with myopia: Every 1–2 years, sooner if your vision changes or you have higher myopia

• Book earlier if there’s squinting, headaches, eye rubbing, reduced school performance, or if a child moves closer to the TV or holds books very close

Signs you should book an eye test

• Blurry distance vision (street signs, whiteboards, TV)

• Frequent prescription changes

• Eye strain or headaches, especially after screen time

• Children sitting very close to screens or struggling to see in class

An optometrist is your go-to expert for diagnosing and managing myopia. They provide accurate prescriptions, monitor eye health, and offer proven strategies to help slow myopia progression in children. If you or your child is struggling with distance vision or you’re noticing changes, book an eye test with a qualified optometrist. Early care and regular monitoring can make a real difference to long-term eye health and day-to-day clarity.