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.
When either one will do
Most of the time the distinction matters. One place it does not: the OACP Vision Assessment Form for police constable applicants is signed by either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, and the OACP publishes no pre-approved list of providers. A family doctor, though, cannot complete it — see OACP police vision testing.
Related
Common questions
- What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
- An optometrist (OD) is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, diagnoses and manages many eye conditions, and prescribes glasses and contact lenses. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in eye and vision care, including surgical treatment. In Ontario, optometrists handle most routine and primary eye care; ophthalmologists provide surgical and subspecialty care when needed.
- Can an optometrist treat eye disease?
- Yes. In Ontario, optometrists are trained and licensed to diagnose and manage many eye diseases, including glaucoma, dry eye disease, diabetic eye disease, conjunctivitis, and other anterior and posterior segment conditions. Optometrists also co-manage patients before and after surgical procedures such as cataract surgery and LASIK.
- When do I need to see an ophthalmologist instead of an optometrist?
- You typically need an ophthalmologist when surgical intervention is required — for example, cataract surgery, LASIK or other refractive surgery, treatment of retinal tears or detachments, or procedures for advanced glaucoma. Your optometrist will assess your condition and refer you to the appropriate ophthalmologist when needed.
- Does an optometrist have a medical degree?
- No. An optometrist holds a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, which is a four-year professional doctorate in eye and vision care, following an undergraduate degree. An ophthalmologist holds a medical degree (MD) and has completed a surgical residency in ophthalmology, typically followed by subspecialty fellowship training.
- Who should I see first for an eye problem?
- In most situations, an optometrist is the appropriate first stop for any eye concern. Optometrists can assess, diagnose, and manage the vast majority of eye problems and refer to an ophthalmologist when surgery or subspecialty care is needed. For sudden vision loss, a large increase in floaters, curtain-like vision loss, or serious eye trauma, seek urgent care immediately.
- Do optometrists and ophthalmologists work together?
- Yes. Optometrists and ophthalmologists frequently share care for patients with complex or surgical needs. At Spadina Optometry in Toronto, we provide pre-operative and post-operative co-management for patients undergoing LASIK and cataract surgery, working alongside the surgical team to provide continuity of care.
- What is an optician and how are they different?
- An optician is trained to fill glasses and contact lens prescriptions written by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Opticians do not perform eye exams and do not diagnose or treat eye conditions. They are distinct from both optometrists and ophthalmologists.
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.
Spadina Optometry has cared for downtown Toronto patients since 2002 — an independent practice where the same team knows your eyes year after year.
Last reviewed: August 21, 2026