Are Opticians Doctors?
Understanding the Roles in Eye Care
When you’re booking an eye test or choosing a new pair of glasses, it’s natural to ask: are opticians actually doctors? The answer depends on which eye care professional you’re seeing. At PW Optics, we offer a complete eye care service — from professional eye exams to expert dispensing of prescription eyewear — all delivered by a fully qualified, accredited team.
In this guide, we explain the differences between dispensing opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists, so you can feel confident about who is looking after your vision.
What Is a Dispensing Optician?
A dispensing optician, is trained to help you choose, fit, and wear glasses or contact lenses based on a prescription. They are not medical professionals and do not diagnose eye conditions — but they play a vital role in ensuring you see clearly and comfortably.
At PW Optics, our dispensing team holds a Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing, awarded by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). We are:
-
Registered with the General Optical Council (GOC Reg: CO-5634)
-
Members of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians
What Our Dispensing Opticians Do:
-
Help you choose the best frames and lenses for your prescription and lifestyle
-
Fit and adjust glasses for comfort and accuracy
-
Advise on coatings, lens materials, and visual aids
-
Offer expert aftercare and adjustments
What Is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is a university-trained healthcare professional who can examine your eyes, detect vision and eye health issues, and write prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. While they are not medical doctors (MDs), they are highly skilled in clinical eye care.
At PW Optics, our in-house optometrists are fully qualified and registered with the General Optical Council, meaning we can:
-
Perform comprehensive eye examinations
-
Check for signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration
-
Prescribe corrective lenses
-
Refer patients to ophthalmologists when specialist treatment is needed
What Is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in eye care and surgery. They treat complex eye conditions, often in hospitals or specialist clinics, and perform procedures such as cataract surgery or laser treatment.
Ophthalmologists Can:
-
Diagnose and manage serious or long-term eye diseases
-
Prescribe medications for eye conditions
-
Carry out eye surgeries and advanced treatments
-
Work alongside optometrists for referred care
Why Choose PW Optics?
Whether you’re due for an eye test or want help choosing your next pair of glasses, PW Optics is your local, trusted provider for personalised eye care. Our qualifications and accreditations include:
-
General Optical Council Registered (CO-5634)
-
Members of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians
-
Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing
-
In-house GOC-registered Optometrists for prescriptions and eye health
With our expert team, you can trust you’re getting the right care — from initial test to final fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dispensing opticians doctors?
Dispensing opticians are not doctors. However, optometrists, like those at PW Optics, are trained healthcare professionals who can examine eyes and prescribe glasses.
Can PW Optics test my eyes and provide a prescription?
Yes! We offer full eye exams through our in-house GOC-registered optometrists, and provide prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses.
Can a dispensing optician test your eyes?
No, dispensing opticians do not perform eye tests. You’ll need to book an appointment with a registered optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.
What’s the difference between a dispensing optician and an optometrist?
An optometrist examines your eyes and writes your prescription. A dispensing optician helps you choose and fit glasses or lenses based on that prescription.
Do I need a referral to book an eye test?
No, you can book an eye test directly with PW Optics — no referral needed.
Who should I see if I think I have an eye infection?
You should visit an optometrist, who can assess the issue and refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed.
Visit our Stourbridge practice or give us a call to book your eye test, glasses fitting, or consultation with our expert team.
We’re here to help you see clearly, comfortably, and confidently — every step of the way.
Understanding the Roles in Eye Care
When you’re booking an eye test or choosing a new pair of glasses, it’s natural to ask: are opticians actually doctors? The answer depends on which eye care professional you’re seeing. At PW Optics, we offer a complete eye care service — from professional eye exams to expert dispensing of prescription eyewear — all delivered by a fully qualified, accredited team.
In this guide, we explain the differences between dispensing opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists, so you can feel confident about who is looking after your vision.
What Is a Dispensing Optician?
A dispensing optician, is trained to help you choose, fit, and wear glasses or contact lenses based on a prescription. They are not medical professionals and do not diagnose eye conditions — but they play a vital role in ensuring you see clearly and comfortably.
At PW Optics, our dispensing team holds a Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing, awarded by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). We are:
-
Registered with the General Optical Council (GOC Reg: CO-5634)
-
Members of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians
What Our Dispensing Opticians Do:
-
Help you choose the best frames and lenses for your prescription and lifestyle
-
Fit and adjust glasses for comfort and accuracy
-
Advise on coatings, lens materials, and visual aids
-
Offer expert aftercare and adjustments
What Is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is a university-trained healthcare professional who can examine your eyes, detect vision and eye health issues, and write prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. While they are not medical doctors (MDs), they are highly skilled in clinical eye care.
At PW Optics, our in-house optometrists are fully qualified and registered with the General Optical Council, meaning we can:
-
Perform comprehensive eye examinations
-
Check for signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration
-
Prescribe corrective lenses
-
Refer patients to ophthalmologists when specialist treatment is needed
What Is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in eye care and surgery. They treat complex eye conditions, often in hospitals or specialist clinics, and perform procedures such as cataract surgery or laser treatment.
Ophthalmologists Can:
-
Diagnose and manage serious or long-term eye diseases
-
Prescribe medications for eye conditions
-
Carry out eye surgeries and advanced treatments
-
Work alongside optometrists for referred care
Why Choose PW Optics?
Whether you’re due for an eye test or want help choosing your next pair of glasses, PW Optics is your local, trusted provider for personalised eye care. Our qualifications and accreditations include:
-
General Optical Council Registered (CO-5634)
-
Members of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians
-
Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing
-
In-house GOC-registered Optometrists for prescriptions and eye health
With our expert team, you can trust you’re getting the right care — from initial test to final fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dispensing opticians doctors?
Dispensing opticians are not doctors. However, optometrists, like those at PW Optics, are trained healthcare professionals who can examine eyes and prescribe glasses.
Can PW Optics test my eyes and provide a prescription?
Yes! We offer full eye exams through our in-house GOC-registered optometrists, and provide prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses.
Can a dispensing optician test your eyes?
No, dispensing opticians do not perform eye tests. You’ll need to book an appointment with a registered optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.
What’s the difference between a dispensing optician and an optometrist?
An optometrist examines your eyes and writes your prescription. A dispensing optician helps you choose and fit glasses or lenses based on that prescription.
Do I need a referral to book an eye test?
No, you can book an eye test directly with PW Optics — no referral needed.
Who should I see if I think I have an eye infection?
You should visit an optometrist, who can assess the issue and refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed.
Visit our Stourbridge practice or give us a call to book your eye test, glasses fitting, or consultation with our expert team.
We’re here to help you see clearly, comfortably, and confidently — every step of the way.