Eyes are one of the most important organs in our body. We walk, read, watch, send text and drive with our eyes being the compass. It is crucial for us to take good care of our eyes because William Shakespeare used to say the eyes are the window to your soul. We can see someone is sleepy, happy or tired based on their eyes. That is why many companies are producing vitamins, contact lenses and eye drops that target the health of the human eyes.
🧐 Fun Fact: You see things upside down – it is your brain which turns the image the right way up.
So, if you want to learn more about the human eyes and thinking to establish a career in this field, first we need to learn the important terminologies, so let’s go!
Ophthalmology –
Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
Optometry –
Health profession that examines eyes and apply visual systems for eye defects or abnormalities.
Opticianry –
Professional practise of filling prescriptions for eye lenses, dispensing eyeglasses and fitting contact lenses.
Ophthalmologist –
Medical doctor that specializes in eyes treatment.
Optometrist –
Health care professionals who provide primary eye care through comprehensive eye examinations.
Optician –
Trained individuals that design, verify and provide visual systems to correct eyesight.
🧐 Fun Fact: A newborn baby will cry, but not produce any tears. Babies do not produce tears until they are around six weeks old.
Many people confuse between optician, optometrist and ophthalmologist. They may sound the same but there are big differences between these 3 professions. You can find detailed explanations on their job scope, necessary skills and education pathway for each profession below. By the end of this article, you will get to know which profession might suit you.
Who is an optician?
Opticians are people that received thorough training to help you to find your suitable vision correcting devices such as eyeglasses and contact-lenses. They are the first people that you will encounter when seeking out vision care.
What are the job scopes of an optician?
What skills do opticians need?
What education pathway to become an optician?
Where to study opticianry in Malaysia?
Vision College
Program | Diploma in Opticianry |
Intake | January, April, July & October |
Duration | 3 years |
Entry Requirement | SPM/ UEC: 3 credits including 2 from Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics. *Prerequisite: Pass in English |
Annual Indicative Fees | Ask us now 😃 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, contact us 😃
If you think the profession is calling your name, contact us now!
🧐 Fun Fact: The space between your eyebrows is called the Glabella.
Who is an Optometrist?
Health care professionals who examine, diagnose and treat your eyes. They have bigger responsibilities than opticians. They will detect your vision problems and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses as needed.
What are the job scopes of an Optometrist?
What skills do optometrists need?
What is the education pathway to become an optometrist?
Where to study optometry in Malaysia?
SEGi University
Program | Bachelor of Optometry (Hons) |
Intake | May & September |
Duration | 4 years |
Entry Requirement | STPM: CGPA 3.0 A-Level: BBBor AAC Prerequisites: Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Mathematics |
Indicative Fees 2020 | RM 100,000/ USD 23,981 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, contact us 😃
Managements and Science University
Program | Bachelor of Optometry (Hons) |
Intake | Ask us now |
Duration | 4 years |
Entry Requirement | STPM/ A-Level: 2.5 Prerequisites: Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Mathematics |
Indicative Fees 2020 | RM 95,000 – 100,000 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, contact us 😃
If you think that becoming an optometrist is your future profession, call us now!
🧐 Fun Fact: Heterochromia refers to a condition where eyes are two different colours.
Who is an ophthalmologist?
A medical doctor that specializes in treatment of illness, diseases, injuries and conditions that affect eyes. They are also capable of performing surgery such as lasik surgery.
What are the job scopes of an ophthalmologist?
What skills do ophthalmologists need?
What is the education pathway to become an ophthalmologist?
Because ophthalmologists are medical doctors, they need to study medicine and specialize in ophthalmology along the way. Read here on the pathway to study medicine and recommended universities: Top 5 Universities to Study Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) in Malaysia 2020.
To know more on how to become a medical doctor and specialising in eyes, contact us now!
🧐 Fun Fact: A shark’s cornea is used in human eye surgery, as it is the most similar to the human cornea
If you are interested in any of the courses and universities, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to assist you, for FREE!
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Stephanie Calamba
Part time ACCA student, part time content writer but full time child of God.