Type of Practices and Eye Care Professionals

An Independent Ophthalmologist is a Medical Physician who usually does eye exams to treat disease, including surgery. They tend to specialize in one area of the eye, such as Retinal or Cataract surgery. They are usually assisted by medical assistants who are not licensed but supervised (directly or indirectly by the physician).  The Ophthalmic Assistants have levels of certification, but it's not mandatory. These medical assistants may be doing your refractive exams and other tests. Some ophthalmologists have several optometrists working for them, but they often delegate refraction and contact lens fittings to the ophthalmic technicians.

Many ophthalmologists practice in groups with other ophthalmology specialties. These are large practices, and maintaining such staff requires a heavy investment from the owners, which could be private practitioners, private equity firms or even hospitals. Waiting times tend to be several hours. depending how busy they are.

Optometry practices tend to be smaller, but Solo Independent Optometrists are rare. They usually join other Optometrists to share expenses. Private Equity firms have purchased many independent optometric practices, becoming part of large multidisciplinary eye care professional groups. They tend to accept medical insurance but prefer vision plans. Waiting time is usually shorter than in ophthalmology practices, depending on the services performed. Many optometrists use Optometric technicians who assist with clinical care, including their optical departments. These technicians are not required to be licensed. Optometrists are known as Optometric Physicians, and in many states, they do medical care and surgeries such as Laser Refractive Surgeries or Yag capsulotamies. ​

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Many Optometric Physicians work at corporate-owned Optical Shops providing eye exams for glasses and fitting contact lenses. Their waiting time is less than that of the ophthalmology offices.

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Independent Licensed Opticians are a great choice for those seeking quality, service, and fashion regarding eyeglasses. These small practices often provide a higher level of service than other practices, and many opticians have specialties like pediatric eyewear or specialty contact lens services. If you're looking for a more personalized experience, consider visiting an Independent Licensed Optician who can provide Lifestyle Dispensing, a growing practice style that offers superior service delivery.

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Most Independent Opticians also offer eye exams performed by independent Optometrists who work from their offices. Optometrists accept many vision plans and medical insurances. Waiting time at these locations is usually shorter. 

Big warehouses and chain optical shops employ opticians and optometrists for their optical stores. These optical centers usually have one optician supervising a Frame Stylist and other nonlicensed optical technicians. The licensed opticians at these locations receive spiff for their eyeglass sales when they meet target sales. The downside of these optical stores is that they must use what their corporate office may have negotiated and may not have access to the best lenses and latest designer frames. Some corporate Optical companies specialize in low-priced eyewear. Large corporations own all corporate optical departments. Optometrists work mainly at these locations as they can see more patients per hour, thus earning more income. The waiting time tends to be a couple of hours from the exam to the eyeglass purchase.