The Three O's

Opticians are one of the three health professions that are concerned with eyes and eye health. The other two "O's" responsible for eyes are Ophthalmologists, and Optometrists.

Opticians:

Are health professionals trained to supply, prepare and dispense optical appliances. Opticians interpret prescriptions prescribed by Ophthalmologists and Optometrists while considering factors that affect the design, fabrication and verification of the finished appliance. When the appliance is complete, Opticians then fit, adjust and adapt the corrective optical appliances as required. In some jurisdictions in Canada, Opticians are also known as Ophthalmic Dispensers. In Saskatchewan, Opticians and Contact Lens Practitioners are regulated by the Saskatchewan College of Opticians.

Ophthalmologists:

Are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care, diagnosis and the treatment of eye diseases and provide eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, prescribe and administer medication and perform surgery. In Saskatchewan Ophthalmologists are regulated by:

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan
#101 2174 Airport Drive
SASKATOON, SK  S7L 6M6
Phone: 1-800-667-1668
Phone: (306)244-7355
www.quadrant.net/cpss

Optometrists:

Are health professionals trained to address the eye and visual system and ocular motor disorders and dysfunctions of the eye and visual system and diagnose disorders. An Optometrist prescribes and dispenses corrective devices. In Saskatchewan Optometrists are regulated by:

Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists
# 102 - 202 Wellman Crescent
SASKATOON, SK   S7T 0J1
Phone: 1-877-660-3937
Phone: (306) 652-2069
www.optometrists.sk.ca