Who are the three "O" 's?

        A dispensing optician is a person who prepares, duplicates and dispenses lenses, eyeglass frames, contact lenses and/or appurtenances from a  written prescription from an eyecare practitioner.  Using the prescription the optician measures, adapts, adjusts and fabricates the lenses, eyeglass frames, contact lenses, and/or  appurtenances to the human face for the aid and correction of visual or ocular anomalies of the human eye. 

    An Ophthalmologist is a physician {either a doctor of medicine ( M.D. ) or a doctor of osteopathy ( D. O.. ) } , who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system, and in the prevention of eye disease and injury.  An ophthalmologist has completed at least 12 years of training including:  four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of internship in a hospital, and three or more years in an ophthalmology residency training program with experience in medical, surgical, and refractive eye care.   This doctor specializes in medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases or abnormalities of the eye.   

    An Optometrist is referred to as a doctor of optometry or a O.D.  They are an eye care provider who is involved exclusively with vision problems.  Optometrists are specifically educated and trained by an accredited optometrist college in a four-year course, but have not attended medical school.  They are state licensed to examine the eyes and to determine the presence of vision problems.  Optometrists determine visual acuity and prescribe spectacles, contact lenses, and eye exercises.  Optometrists may perform all services listed under the definition of an optician.  Some states permit optometrists to give limited treatments of some eye conditions.  In the state of Washington, qualified optometrists may use dilating drops and prescribe some medications.

    A Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO) fills what your eye physician requires.  It could be as simple as a pair of reading glasses or as complex as a special contact lens for a damaged eye.  The LDO has a minimum of a 2 year degree in Opticianry or a 6,000 hour apprenticeship education.  This allows the LDO candidate to sit for a state licensing examination.  LDO's have the opportunity to further their education by taking an additional test for a Masters of Opticianry status.  Opticians may also enroll in a College Credited course on Refraction/ Retinoscopy, although they are not allowed to independantly practice refraction without an eye doctor present.  

All of the eye care professionals take Continuing Education credits to keep their Washington State License current.  This allows You the consumer, to be assured that you are receiving the latest technology in eyecare and eye health.  If you have any questions about what type of classes they attend, please ask your eyecare professional, as we are all proud of what we do.  And remember, if there is no licensed professional where you are, you are not getting the best care, knowledge, or service for your money. 

Consumers have the right to receive accurate, easily understood information, and have the right to a choice of health care providers to ensure appropriate high-quality health care. 

Consumers have the right to request, review and receive a copy their medical records.  Consumers have the right to receive a written prescription from the prescribing physician upon request. Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, State of Washington

OAW Office / Legislation / Education / Convention / Membership