Ophthalmologists have an M.D. degree and post-graduate training in the diagnosis, treatment and surgery of diseases of the eye.
Optometrists are Doctors of Optometry, or O.D. The O.D. degree requires four years of college, plus a full four-year doctorate program. An Optometrist will examine your eyes and related structures for health and vision disorders and treat vision problems with eyeglasses, contact lenses and if needed, with exercises
Opticians are the ones who operate an optical center which dispenses eyeglasses and other accessories. Opticians have been trained in the skills necessary to fabricate and fit eyeglasses to the optical powers as prescribed by an O.D. or M.D. It is a four year college program.
