The Three (3) O's of the Eyes:

In the optical industry we like to say "there are three(3) O's of the eyes". 1. Ophthalmologist 2. Optometrist  3. Optician. 

Ophthalmologist (M.D):  An ophthalmologist is a Medical Doctor (M.D) specializing in the Eye. Most often, they will attend a college or university for four(4) years to achieve a bachelors degree (usually in a science-related field).  Upon completion, they will go to Medical School where they will spend four(4) years learning about the entire body to become a licensed "medical doctor". At this point, they are considered "General Practitioners". While there are many specialties available, the Ophthalmologist is a doctor that is accepted to competitive residency program allowing him/her the distinction of the Specialty of Ophthalmology.  Now having completed 10-12 years of education, this doctor is considered a General Ophthalmologist..Some Ophthalmologists then continue their education (usually at least 2 additional years but up to 6) in order to specialize even further. Additional residencies are available in a variety of Sub-Specialties such as Glaucoma, Retina, Cornea, Pediatric,Neurology, Plastics and more!

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Optometrist (O.D): Like an Ophthalmologist, an Optometrist is an Eye Doctor too! - this is where many people get confused! A person wishing to become an Optometrist will most often complete a bachelors degree (usually in a science-related field). With only 16 Optometry Schools in the USA, it can be extremely competitive to get into Optometry School so many will complete a Masters Degree too (often in a science or vision field of study). Once accepted to Optometry school, the future Optometrist will spend the next four(4) years studying all about the eye and vision! While some schools allow students in their senior year to specialize, others require the student to do a residency to specialize. Specializations in Optometry include Diabetic Eye Care, Pediatric Vision, and more. 

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Optician (D.O): The Dispensing Optician is an eye care professional that is often likened to being "the Pharmacist of eye care". Of the 3 "O's in the Eyes", the optician is the only one that is not a doctor.  The Optician's job is to fill the prescription provided by the eye doctor. They take measurements for and recommend frames & lenses to fit their patient's needs, They will fit, adjust, dispense, repair and make the eyeglasses.

Currently, there are 23 states that require the Optician to be professionally licensed which requires national boards and state certification. The Optician can become licensed by attending a specialized School of Opticianry (usually a 2 year degree). However, many states will allow a candidate to site for the state boards after completing an official three(3) year apprenticeship program. The candidate must apply through the state for the apprenticeship having already secured an apprenticeship with another Licensed Optician. After three(3) years of full time on the job training and coursework, the apprentice may take the National Board Exam then sit for the State Boards. While 27 states do not require professional licensing, often the training/schooling requirements are similar. While EcoEyeCo's primary mission is to provide financial support for The Anniston Grace Foundation, our secondary mission is to encourage licensing requirements in states that do not have them. Licensed opticians play a vital role in assuring quality prescription eyeglasses among other things. Our locations will soon employ licensed opticians everywhere. This not only assures the quality of our lenses but ensures the measurement and fit of your eyeglasses are accurate. Some locations may even include an on-site lab which requires a licensed Dispensing Optician as well.

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Others: While most people know of the "3 o's" there are many other eye care professionals too!

 Nearly anyone that has visited an Ophthalmology practice has likely incurred services from another eye care professional/specialist. In fact, many times the patient may think they are seeing various doctors when in reality, these eye care professionals are more like specialized professionals much like PA's or Nurses...

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Ophthalmic Optician (O.O): The Ophthalmic Optician is a title being encouraged by the Society to Advance Opticianry.  This title describes an eye care professional that preforms basic eye examinations for the doctor in an Ophthalmology practice, leaving the doctor to preform surgeries and more direct care related to the issue at hand.  Though the Ophthalmic Optician preforms the basic exam, the doctor is the one responsible for signing off on his/her work and signs any prescription to verify its authenticity. Currently there is not a formal declaration of this title as it has not been accredited by any national certification boards. To become an Ophthalmic Optician, one generally first learns to be an Optician, then trains under an Ophthalmologist to learn about preforming eye examinations and other special testing, surgery assistance and more. While most O.O's have a bachelor degree (usually in a science field) it is not required.

 

Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (C.O.M.T): Most will argue that the COMT is the most highly trained eye care professional outside the two doctor types. The COMT is often the person that trains medical students and they often are authors and instructors of eye related subjects too! There are few schools that offer certification for this highly trained profession. Those entering the military medicine track can often choose either the COMT or PA program too. Though not required, most will hold a bachelors degree or masters degree in addition to 3-4 years of additional specialized training (either at an educational institute or on-the-job). There are multiple levels one must achieve before becoming eligible to take the exams for COMT certification (which include both written and practical exams).

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Others Eye Care Professionals Include: Certified Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biologists, Ophthalmic Photographers (various certificates), Certified Ophthalmic Technician, Certified Ophthalmic Assistant and more!

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General: In some states, a Licensed Optician must be on duty to order eyeglasses with prescription lenses. As such, TRY-ON Centers are available for customers to try on frames prior to purchase only. No sales will be made from these TRY-ON centers. To purchase Eyeglasses please record the name of the frame and size. With your prescription ready, then visit EcoEyeCo.com and follow the instructions to make your purchase. The marketing team associate at the Try-On Center is available to assist you. 

Licensed Locations: Some TRY-ON Centers within the previously mentioned states may employ a Licensed Optician and hold an Optical Establishment license. If the location is licensed for the sale of Eyeglasses, the appropriate licenses will be displayed for the public. Only in this case, my a customer purchase eyeglasses from the TRY-ON center.  Locations within these states that do not  employ a licensed Optician and do not have an Optical Establishment License are legally conducting marketing only.  No direct sales should be made from these locations. However, customers may choose to TRY-ON eyeglasses at these locations then purchase prescription eyewear but only through our website. An employee should not receive payment. at such a location though they may assist a customer by guiding them through the sometimes difficult process of online ordering. 

Vision Testing versus Exams:  Please note that we intentionally call this process a "Vision Test" primarily to avoid any confusion for our  customers as we do not want to mislead anyone. We do not provide any "Eye Exams" in that we do not examine or even screen the ocular health (whether internal or external) of any customers. The  only purpose of the "Vision Test" is to provide new eyeglass prescriptions for patients wishing to make sure their prescription is up to date. .All prescriptions are written by a licensed Optometrist (O.D) or licensed Ophthalmologist (M.D) and are 100% legal if prescribed to a patient for as long as stated on the prescription or allowed by law in your state. 

Reporting Concerns/Violations: We take the laws very seriously and respect the professional licensing requirements  of each state.  If you made a direct purchase (ability to pay for and walk away with a product of any kind)) from an “unlicensed” TRY-ON center or suspect the location is not appropriately licensed, please fill out the form below, call, email or write our corporate office in Wilmington, Delaware. Our office will investigate and/or notify the appropriate government authority. All employees are made aware of the laws in their state and should not be preforming illegal activity (whether intentional or unintentional). A reward may be available for your assistance.  Please note: It is our desire to "legally" offer quality, authentic, designer or name brand, eyewear at a low cost to our customers. Due to the serious nature of  such a report/concern, we thoroughly investigate all submissions which can incur significant costs. .  As such, we reserve the right to prosecute any false claims due to retaliation or personal conflict with an associate and an attempt will be made to recover expenses incurred should the claim be found too be so.

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Important Update : As of July 1st, 2019, laws have been put in to place or are being reviewed to assure proper guidelines and acceptable practice procedures are being followed regarding Tele-Health practices such as this. As a result, the company we use to provide Vision Testing Services has temporarily ceased all operations until they are certain to follow all protocols and laws. Therefore, we are no longer offering the online vision tests - regardless of the patient's location.

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