[peteretep]

That's a bit different, as an opthalmogist is a real doctor who treats eyes. Dental equivalent would by a dental hygienist, I guess.

[barking]

Ophthalmologists are specialists just like any other medical specialist, e.g. a dermatologist. Does the fact that general practitioners refer people on to dermatologists mean that family doctors are not 'real doctors'? Sorry if that sounds aggressive, I am unfairly taking the inference from what you said that opticians are somehow 'fake'.

[masklinn]

> I am unfairly taking the inference from what you said that opticians are somehow 'fake'.

Opticians are equivalent to pharma techs (or dental hygienists as dogma1138 noted), could you be thinking about optometrists (sometimes called Ophthalmic Opticians in the UK)?

[barking]

Probably, I wouldnt know which is which. I have been very impressed any time I've had my eyes checked.

[peteretep]

    > Ophthalmologists

Doctor

    > dermatologist 

Doctor

    > general practitioner

Doctor

    > optician 

Not a doctor

[madengr]

You mean physician. An optometrist typically has a Doctor of Optometry degree. One can argue if that's really a Dr. (I'd say it more like an MS), but nonetheless they could be called Dr. They also write prescriptions for lenses.

An optician fits the glasses, which is more like the technician.

[opo]

An optometry program lasts four years, so that is equivalent to the schooling needed for an MD. (After schooling there is a state and national examination in order to get the license.)

[dogma1138]

Opticians and ophthalmologists are different things.

And optician had some training but it's not a medical degree which is equivalent to say a dental hygienist in dentistry.

[frostburg]

I don't want to be excessively glib here, but general practice in modern medicine is often very close to being "health theater" like the TSA is security theater.

We're not talking about the rural doctors of old, their job could be automated in the next five years or so.