What is one of the primary roles of an optician in patient care?

The primary role of an optician in patient care is to design, fit, and dispense eyewear and contact lenses. This responsibility encompasses assessing a patient's vision needs, selecting appropriate lens types, and ensuring an accurate fit for frames and contact lenses. Opticians work closely with the prescription provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists to create personalized eyewear that enhances the patient’s vision and comfort.

This role is essential in helping patients achieve the best possible visual outcomes, as the right frames and lenses can drastically improve vision and ease of use. While opticians may also provide patient education about proper eyewear care and maintenance, their main focus revolves around the fitting and dispensing of optical products.

In contrast, prescribing medication for eye conditions, conducting eye surgeries, and administering vision therapy are responsibilities reserved for optometrists or ophthalmologists, who have the required training and credentials to perform these functions.