OPTICIAN An optician makes, verifies and delivers lenses, frames and other specially fabricated optical devices and/or contact lenses upon prescription (from an optometrist or ophthalmologist) to the intended wearer. The opticians' functions include prescription analysis and interpretation; determination of the lens forms best suited to the wearers needs; the preparation and delivery of work orders for the grinding of lenses and the fabrication of eye wear, the verification of the finished ophthalmic products; and the adjustment, replacement, repair and reproduction of previously prepared ophthalmic lenses, frames and other specially fabricated ophthalmic devices. Certification by the American Board of Opticianry or the National Contact Lens Examiners is optional. Some states have regulatory agencies that license opticians. (Unfortunately, Missouri does not).

OPTOMETRIST / OPTOMETRIC PHYSICIAN (Title used in many states, including Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee): The Optometrist has the degree Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) and is a primary eyecare provider. Doctors of Optometry or, Optometric Physicians (in adjoining states) are independent primary health care providers who specialize in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye and associated structures as well as the diagnosis of related systemic conditions. These Eye Doctors prescribe medications and treat glaucoma, eye infections, eye injuries and eye inflammations. They fit and dispense glasses and contact lenses, refer for refractive surgical procedures (and deliver post-operative care) thus providing total eye health and vision care for all ages. Optometric physicians perform certain minor ophthalmic procedures, as well as provide injectable medications as allowed per their particular state boards. An optometric physician has completed four years of college pre-medical education and four years of doctoral education at an accredited College of Optometry, earning a Doctorate in Optometry. Some optometric physicians obtain residency or residency equivalent training. Optometric physicians are certified by a national board of examiners and licensed by a state regulatory board. Optometrists are considered physicians under Medicare guidelines and Optometry Schools (as are other doctoral level schools) are considered a type of medical school by many insurers. Dr. Melton has residency equivalent training and all of the aforementioned training via the public health service experience he obtained while an officer with the USPHS. He holds licenses in 4 different states and is a military optometrist with full diagnostic scope capabilities. In Dr. Melton’s office it is not unusual to diagnose/identify diabetes, hypertension, stroke, etc. Dr. Melton feels it is his responsibility to alert his patients to health issues and make proper referral when necessary, or treat as indicated. As an optometric physician he enjoys greatly his co-management opportunities with area eye surgeons (ophthalmologists).

Ophthalmologist: The Ophthalmologist has the degree Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and is a primary and secondary, medical/surgical eye care provider. This Doctor has completed four years of college, four years of medical school and four years of residency and internships relating to the diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, of diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists may also perform intricate surgical procedures including cataracts removal and lens implant, corneal transplant, glaucoma surgery and various laser procedures depending on area of specialization. All Ophthalmologists have an exceptional level of training. We are fortunate to have these well trained surgical providers in SEMO. Many rural areas of the United States are not so fortunate.