Kachian v. Optometry Examining Board

While the parties involved are the same in the two appeals before us, the issues raised in each are different and separable.

However, the exact status of an optometrist is involved in both cases and will be discussed first. It is important to keep in mind the distinction between an optometrist, a dispensing optician and an ophthalmologist. An optometrist is licensed by the state to examine eyes for refractive errors and to recommend corrective lenses. A dispensing optician needs no license and is concerned with the fitting or adaptation of lenses or eyeglasses. An ophthalmologist is a medical…