08.05.2025

What is the difference between an optician, orthoptist, optometrist, and ophthalmologist in Switzerland?

Various specialists work together to maintain and improve vision. Professions in the field of optics and vision combine scientific, human and technical skills. Opticians, orthoptists, optometrists and ophthalmologists each have different tasks, skills and training. Although these professions are complementary, they differ in their roles, skills and training. This article will help you better understand these professions so that you know which professional to turn to depending on your needs.

Written by:
Optometrist: Lucas Billamboz, Thierry Ha, Lucie Joye Faillot
Orthoptist: Pierre Sanchette
Ophthalmologist: MD Victoire Hurand

When it comes to preserving and improving visual health, several professionals may be involved. The optical and vision professions encompass a wide range of scientific, human and technical skills. Each specialist plays a specific role throughout the visual care pathway. However, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between the roles of an optician, orthoptist, optometrist and ophthalmologist.

The optician: the specialist in glasses and contact lenses

The optician is a professional who works in an optician's shop. Their role is not limited to selling glasses: they advise, manufacture and adjust optical equipment (glasses, contact lenses, low vision aids) according to the ophthalmologist's prescription.

In Switzerland, there are two training pathways:

A three-year federal certificate of proficiency, which qualifies the holder to work as an optician. Opticians help customers choose their glasses, make optical equipment, deliver it and provide customer aftercare. They are employed by a shop and are not authorised to test visual acuity.
A five-year Bachelor of Science degree in Optometry from the FHNW, which qualifies graduates as optometrists. This more in-depth training enables optometrists to perform visual acuity tests and fit simple and complex lenses in stores. The training offers the possibility of becoming an optician store manager if desired.

Thanks to his skills in optics, eye physiology and corrective lens fitting, the optician guides each patient towards the most suitable solutions. He helps choose frames that suit the shape of the face, recommends optimised corrective lenses (anti-reflective, thinned, progressive, etc.) and ensures that the lenses are fitted precisely to the frames (centring, adjustment). In the event of abnormal visual acuity, they refer the patient to an ophthalmologist.

When should you see an optician?

To select and adjust your glasses or contact lenses.
For a vision test (in some cases, they may adjust your prescription under certain conditions).
For advice on visual comfort.

The orthoptist: the specialist in eye movement disorders

Often referred to as an «eye physiotherapist», an orthoptist is a paramedical professional specialising in the treatment of oculomotor disorders. They are responsible for the rehabilitation and re-education of vision disorders such as strabismus, diplopia (double vision), amblyopia (lazy eye), visual fatigue and certain neurovisual disorders. They are also involved in the visual rehabilitation of visually impaired patients.

After a three-year university degree in orthoptics, they acquire skills in functional vision testing, orthoptic rehabilitation and visual adaptation. During a consultation, he performs an orthoptic assessment to evaluate the disorder and propose a personalised eye rehabilitation protocol. He works under the prescription of an ophthalmologist and collaborates with them in consultation to provide comprehensive care for eye disorders.

When should you see an orthoptist?

In cases of strabismus, amblyopia, diplopia.
For rehabilitation exercises in cases of visual fatigue.
For visual strategy adjustments in cases of low vision.

The optometrist: the optical specialist

The optometrist is a vision care professional who specialises in assessing visual abilities and fitting optical corrections.

Very common in Canada and the United States, their role varies according to the regulations in force in each country. In Switzerland, for example, they are authorised to perform eye tests and fit contact lenses.

Optometry training is available through further education at a university of applied sciences (Bachelor of Science FHNW in Optometry from the School of Optometry in Olten). Optometrists are trained in refraction (measurement of vision), fitting simple and complex contact lenses, low vision and screening for certain eye conditions under medical supervision. They do not perform medical examinations but can refer patients to an ophthalmologist if they suspect a condition. They can also carry out additional pre-consultation tests, which are then interpreted by a doctor (OCT (retinal and optic nerve scan), visual field testing, etc.).

When should you see an optometrist?

For a visual assessment (renewal of glasses and contact lenses).
For specific contact lens fitting.

The ophthalmologist: the doctor who specialises in eyes

The ophthalmologist, often referred to as an «eye doctor», is a doctor who specialises in eye health, just like a pulmonologist specialises in lung and respiratory conditions.

They are the only professionals authorised to diagnose and treat eye diseases, prescribe reimbursable optical corrections and perform surgical procedures.

Their training is long and demanding: after six years of medical school, they complete a five-year specialisation in ophthalmology, for a total of more than ten years of study. They may also choose to specialise further in specific areas such as the cornea, refractive surgery, the retina, glaucoma or paediatric ophthalmology.

When should you see an ophthalmologist?

For an eye test and prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
For a comprehensive eye examination (eye pressure measurement, fundus examination, visual field testing, OCT).
In case of an eye emergency.
For screening and monitoring of eye diseases (AMD, glaucoma, cataracts, etc.).
For eye surgery (laser surgery).

Multidisciplinary care for better visual health

Visual health depends on the complementary work of different specialists:

optometrists perform visual tests and adapt optical corrections,
ophthalmologists are doctors who diagnose and prescribe medical or surgical treatment,
orthoptists provide visual rehabilitation,
and opticians supply and adjust optical equipment tailored to the patient's needs.

This collaboration enables optimised, personalised care, thereby helping to improve patients' visual quality and eye health.

At Swiss Visio, we offer consultations and surgeries in an excellent environment for all ocular pathologies except oncology. Our 22 centres provide fast and personalised care in a trustworthy environment and we do our utmost to offer appropriate medical care.

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