Optician, Optometrist, or Ophthalmologist? Who to See and When

Navigating eye care can feel a little confusing. Between opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists, who you see and when can depend on your specific needs.

At MEGANE Elevated Optical in Costa Mesa, we often hear questions like:
“Do I need to see an eye doctor first?” or “Can I get new lenses with my current prescription?”

This guide will help clarify the difference between each role, so you can make informed decisions about your vision care and eyewear experience.

Optician

An optician is a certified eyewear professional who helps you understand your prescription and brings it to life matching it with lenses and frames suited to your lifestyle, visual needs, and personal style.

Opticians do not perform eye exams, but they do:

- Fit and adjust glasses for optimal comfort and vision
- Recommend lens types and coatings (progressive lenses, polarized sunglasses, blue light protection, etc.)
- Replace lenses in your current frames if your prescription is still valid
- Can be trained as a technician for simple eye test to give to Optometrists for Prescription use
- Offer styling advice and help you choose the right shape, fit, and brand

This is where MEGANE comes in. As a boutique optical destination in Costa Mesa, we specialize in curating eyewear that’s both functional and refined from handcrafted Japanese eyewear to fashion-forward sunglasses.

Optometrist

An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry (OD) trained to provide primary vision care. They perform routine eye exams and are your first stop for any vision changes or general eye health concerns.

You should visit an optometrist when:

- You need a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses
- You're experiencing a change in your vision, blurred vision, eye strain, dry eyes, pain, or other eye health concerns
- It's time for your routine eye exam (usually every 1–2 years)

Once you’ve had your eye exam, you can bring your updated prescription to MEGANE for lens replacement or frame fitting. We welcome prescriptions from any licensed provider, including optometrists in Newport Beach and surrounding areas.

Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in advanced medical and surgical treatment for eye conditions. You might be referred to an ophthalmologist for:

- Cataracts, glaucoma, or LASIK evaluation
- Retinal issues or macular degeneration
- Vision complications related to diabetes
- Eye trauma or complex diagnostics

Typically, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist when your symptoms require deeper medical expertise.

Your Vision Support Team, Working Together

To simplify:

- Optometrist: Diagnoses vision issues and writes prescriptions
- Ophthalmologist: Provides surgical or medical treatment for eye disease
- Optician: brings your prescription to life. They customize lenses and make eyewear fitting and adjustments

At MEGANE Elevated Optical, we believe great vision care is a team effort and we’re your personal guide when it’s time to turn that prescription into the perfect pair of designer glasses or sunglasses.

Whether you're new to progressive lenses, curious about frame fitting, or simply looking for a new pair of Japanese eyewear, we’re here to support your journey with expertise and care.

Visit us in Costa Mesa for a truly personalized optical experience.

– Josh & Ash
MEGANE Elevated Optical