Optometrist or optician?

[Doran]

I have not had a new prescription for glasses in probably 20 years. I'm so past due!! Looking at the options in my area and talking to a few friends, it looks like most places offer one stop shopping -- comprehensive exams alongside prescription filling and frames all in once place. Seems like years ago, you had to see a specific doctor and then go get your glasses somewhere else. Am I misunderstanding the more modern arrangement, or is there something I'm missing?

[Soph the vet]

Hi Doran,
I go to an optometrist who also has eyewear available for purchase at his clinic. I think that is really common now. Of course, there are optical shops where the doctor is only there occassionally and most patrons are there to buy glasses, not get exams, in that case you would need to bring your prescription with you. There are also ophthalmologists. They are an MD with specialty training and board certification in eye medicine and surgery. So if you are having any medical issues with your eyes beyond routine glaucoma screening, I would go to one of those.
Soph