Who should I see about my scratched eye a Dr optician or pharmacist?

Question

I scratched my eye on a stick and it is sore

Answer 1

You have been given lots of conflicting advice! This is partly because the training for optometrists and opticians may vary between countries as well as the ease in consulting an ophthalmologist.

In the UK, most doctors (GPs) do not have a slit lamp bio microscope to examine a scratched eye with, yet MOST optometrists will. GPs often send their patients with minor abrasions for us to check with our equipment.

If anti-biotics are required, these can now be bought over the counter at the pharmacy in the UK. Your pharmacist can sell you these, but like a GP, cannot examine the cornea first.

In the UK, under the national health system, in order to see an ophthalmologist, you need to see your GP first, unless it is an ocular emergency (you would be in so much pain you wouldn't be sitting at your computer asking questions).

So, here, the optometrist would be the most accessible, and relevant person for you to see first.

Answer 2

If its just a bit sore see the pharmacist if however it more than a mild irritation, It could be any number of things would recon mend the doctor int the first instance, ultimately though if there is a serious problem with your eye you would need to see an ophthalmologist and your doctor would refer you to one, not an optician. If it is really bad go to Accident and Emergency at the hospital.

Answer 3

Hi Butterfly - I did this a few years ago, scratched my eyeball and my GOD it hurt!

I started at the opticians but then they sent me to the eye hospital (part of my regular hospital) where I was given some drops and a pirate patch. Looked a doofus but sorted it out quickly! :O) xx

Answer 4

You should really see an optometrist - they look at the eyes to check for defects and general health and stuff like that. Opticians prepare glasses; pharmacists prepare prescriptions.

Opthalmologists are medical doctors who treat eye diseases... so in this case, an optometrist should be fine. If it's really bad, you can go to an opthalmologist.

Answer 5

Actually you should see an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor).

An optometrist is someone who examines eyes for defects in vision and eye disorders for the purpose of prescribing corrective lenses mainly. So usually the result is you get glasses or contact lenses.

A pharmacist is someone licensed to prepare and dispense drugs and medicines.

Answer 6

you should see an ophthalmologist not an optician
an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in the eye
an optician is not a medical doctor but one who examines eyes makes eye prescriptions and can test the eyes for certain conditions but will have to refer you to an ophthalmologist if a problem is found for treatment

Answer 7

i had a similar problem a couple of years ago - my baby son scratched the cornea of my left eye with his fingernail. it hurt like hell, and i ended up having to go to A & E at my local hospital. the nurse who helped with my problem confirmed that i had done the right thing by going into hospital, as they needed to prescribe me some antibiotic eye gel, to make sure that the wound did not become infected. i am pretty sure that opticians cannot prescribe medication, so i would reccomend that u either go to the doctors, or u go to the hospital. it'll save u having to make 2 trips !

Answer 8

Depends where you scratched it - if you scratched the eyelid, then see your doctor to get some antibiotics in case of infection. If you scratched the eyeball itself, you need to be referred by your doctor to an ophthalmologist, who will be able to give you the correct antibiotics and eye creams to ensure a good recovery.

Good luck!

PS Karen G - that's exactly what happened to one of my eyes - my baby son took 25% of my cornea with him! Know what it feels like.

Answer 9

An ophthalmologist. None of the others are trained in eye care; an optician can dispense glasses, but that is all.

Answer 10

Please go to an opthalmologist. The opthalmologist will determine the damage (if any) on your eye, and will prescibe a medication, if needed.

If you are prescribed something by the opthalmologist, please talk to your pharmacist as to how to take the medication.

The optician/ optometrist is in charge of your eyeglasses, contact lenses. Please see this person if the opthalmologist recommeds you to see one. In general, the opthalmologist will perform the same tests as the opticians/ optometrists.