The short version
| Optometrist (OD) | Ophthalmologist (MD) | Optician | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye exams | Yes | Yes | No |
| Prescribes glasses/contacts | Yes | Yes | Fills prescriptions |
| Diagnoses eye disease | Yes | Yes | No |
| Treats eye disease (non-surgical) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Performs surgery | No | Yes | No |
| Degree | Doctor of Optometry (OD) | Medical Doctor (MD) + surgical residency | Diploma/certification |
Optometrists: primary eye care
An optometrist is your first point of contact for eye and vision care. In Ontario, optometrists are licensed to:
- Perform comprehensive eye exams
- Diagnose and manage many eye diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eye, and macular degeneration
- Prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and ophthalmic medications
- Assess and triage urgent eye conditions
- Refer patients to ophthalmologists and other specialists when needed
Most people will receive the majority of their eye care from an optometrist throughout their lives.
Ophthalmologists: surgical and subspecialty care
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has completed medical school, an internship, and a surgical residency in ophthalmology. Many also complete subspecialty fellowships (retina, cornea, glaucoma, oculoplastics, etc.).
Ophthalmologists are the appropriate provider when:
- Surgery is required (cataract removal, LASIK, retinal detachment repair, glaucoma surgery)
- A condition requires subspecialty medical management beyond optometric scope
- Your optometrist has identified a finding that warrants a specialist opinion
Who to see first
For most eye concerns — whether routine exams, new symptoms, or ongoing management of a known condition — your optometrist is the right starting point. Optometrists assess and triage the full range of eye presentations and refer when a surgical or subspecialty consultation is appropriate.
For emergencies (sudden vision loss, large increase in floaters, curtain across vision, chemical exposure, significant eye trauma), go to an emergency department or urgent care centre directly.
Co-management for surgery
If you are planning or have had eye surgery, co-management between your optometrist and surgeon is common. At Spadina Optometry, we provide pre-operative assessments and post-operative follow-up for patients undergoing:
- LASIK and laser refractive surgery — pre-op candidacy assessment, post-op monitoring
- Cataract surgery — post-operative care and visual recovery monitoring
Your optometrist and ophthalmologist work together to ensure the best outcome and continuity of care.
Related
Looking for primary eye care in Toronto?
Spadina Optometry provides comprehensive eye exams, disease management, and co-management for patients before and after eye surgery.
Prefer to talk first? Call or text us at 416-703-2797.
Last reviewed: February 23, 2026