2006-12-18 01:10:29 · 15 answers · asked by JoJi 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
This depends on which country you live in. From the replies you have had so far, there is a difference of opinion & this is because the training for opticians varies between countries. In the UK we call our ophthalmic opticians "optometrists" and they are qualified to detect and advise on clinical matters such as yours. we also have the relevant equipment which a general practitioner (dodcor) will not. If futher advice is needed, the optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist. In a lot of European countries, there are more opticians who can prescribe spectacles but not detect eye disease.
2006-12-19 23:59:33 · answer #1 · answered by English Optometrist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would need to see an ophthalmologist. An optician only studies measurement of eyes for eyeglasses and for devices to see better. They do not go in depth to study eye diseases, etc. They are not a medical doctor. An opthalmologist has to be a medical doctor who has special studies in diseases of the eyes, plus measurement issues for eyeglasses, etc. That's the difference. An optician would not be able to diagnosis eye pain with accuracy because they do not have the medical knowledge required to determine the cause. Good luck!
2006-12-18 01:31:13 · answer #2 · answered by SeaMistress 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For sure an optician. If you go to a doctor he will refer you to an optician. They have all the instruments necessary to check out your eyes.
2006-12-18 01:14:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only time you would go to the optician is if you have glasses or contacts, and they are giving you a headache; which usually means you need a new prescription. Otherwise go to the doctor's.
2006-12-18 01:23:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with a general practitioner. It could be some kind of infection and a regular doctor can give a prescription to clear up the infection. An eye specialist would only be needed in rare circumstances. Plus you may need a referral from your GP to go.
2006-12-18 01:19:40 · answer #5 · answered by MissHealthPromoter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither...an ophthalmologist, who is a medical doctor specializing in eyes. If none is available, choose the medical doctor rather than the optician.
2006-12-18 01:14:20 · answer #6 · answered by CJ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your first call would be your doctor.
It could be a simple thing like eye strain, not enough sleep, watching television in a darkened room, reading with poor light, or the wrong strength of spectacles.
However, you local doctor will have far more advice available for you in the first instance, and will refer you on to an eye specialist if required.
If you have received any head injuries in the last few days, please mention this, as it could lead to the cause.
All the best.
2006-12-18 01:36:07 · answer #7 · answered by Dr David 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is best to go to the optician as he can check the pressure of your eyes, an look behind it to see if there is anything going on
2006-12-18 01:18:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to an opthalmologist first. They will know whether your problem is related to your eye. A regular doctor would probably send you to one and then you have two bills to pay.
2006-12-18 01:50:56 · answer #9 · answered by Augustmoon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doctor, definitely a doctor. They can then tell you where you need to go. I would get an appointment as soon as possible.
2006-12-18 02:18:16 · answer #10 · answered by Mazzy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋