Tips to help you choose an eye doctor

When Kenyans hear the words ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician, they think they all refer to the same thing.

These three specialists provide eye care, but it is important to understand the differences between each “O” – their qualifications and what they can actually do. Many patients with eye problems either choose to self-medicate or seek help from the wrong eye specialist; this results in prolonged eye problems that could have been dealt with effectively at an earlier stage.

A good number of Kenyans use the word optician to refer to any eye specialist.

An optician is not an eye doctor, but a technician. Therefore, an optician cannot perform eye examinations. After school, opticians train for one or two years to design and fit eyeglasses and frames.

They are qualified to fill in eyeglasses prescriptions from your eye doctor. They check the prescription, then help you decide which types of lenses and frames best suit your face.

MEDICAL EDUCATION

They also provide, adjust and repair glasses, frames and contact lenses.  Sometimes they dispense low-vision aids, but they cannot diagnose and treat eye conditions or give prescriptions. That is the work of an ophthalmologist.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (eye specialist) who provides medical or surgical eye care and prevents eye diseases.

An ophthalmologist has a medical degree, three or more years of training in ophthalmology (specialised medical, surgical and refractive training) and experience in eye care. They are licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board.

They are also required to undertake continuous medical education to maintain their licence and stay up-to-date with the latest standards of eye care. An ophthalmologist provides comprehensive eye care and conducts routine eye exams.

He or she prescribes eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems.

He also diagnoses and treats eye diseases and conditions, including those related to other illnesses like diabetes, hypertension and HIV. Ophthalmologists also provide surgical care for cataracts, glaucoma, squints and eye injuries. Other than performing procedures like eye laser correction operations, they also perform plastic surgery related to eye structures.

Lastly, the optometrists. They attend a college of optometry for a four-year course, but are not medical doctors. Optometry is the practice of testing visual acuity and prescribing corrective lenses. Optometrists check vision, nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (presbyopia) and astigmatism – refraction of light that leads to blurry vision.

Just like an ophthalmologist, an optometrist can prescribe and fit eye glasses and contact lenses for patients. They also provide low-vision aids and vision therapy. They can diagnose glaucoma, cataracts and conjunctivitis and refer the patient to an ophthalmologist for treatment.

Dr Mumtaz Hirani is an ophthalmologist in Nairobi.