OPTICS AND OPTOMETRY IN MALTA
Within the optical sector in Malta, there are several professionals.
Optometry in Malta is a regulated profession, with optometrists registering with the Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine (CPCM). For more information on the CPCM, please click here.
Optometry is a healthcare profession that involves examining the eyes and related structures to check for defects in vision and screen and detect eye and health conditions. Optometrists may prescribe vision correction, such as spectacles and contact lenses and may also refer to a specialist if any eye or health conditions are detected. Optometrists examine patients of a variety of ages and backgrounds in a clinical environment and are usually the professionals who will perform your regular eye examination for you.
For some information on optometrists and how they differ to other eye care professionals, please see below.
professionals within optics in malta
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologist
An Ophthalmologist is a professional who trained as a medical doctor and then specialised in eyes. They typically study medicine for at least 5 years and then do many years of speciality training in eyes. They can perform eye examinations, but can also diagnose and monitor eye conditions such as glaucoma and they can perform surgery.
Optometrist
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologist
An Optometrist is a highly skilled primary healthcare professional who has a degree in Optometry. They will have studied for at least four years. Optometrists perform eye examinations and check for defects in vision and also screen for any eye or health conditions. They prescribe spectacles, contact lenses and can refer you to a specialis
An Optometrist is a highly skilled primary healthcare professional who has a degree in Optometry. They will have studied for at least four years. Optometrists perform eye examinations and check for defects in vision and also screen for any eye or health conditions. They prescribe spectacles, contact lenses and can refer you to a specialist if needed. An optometrist may also examine you if you have any infections or eye health concerns and prescribe some antibiotics if needed, or they can refer you to the hospital or an ophthalmologist colleague if your condition needs more specialised treatment.
Optician
Ophthalmologist
Optician
'Optician' can be a confusing term, as it means different things in different countries, even in Europe. However, in Malta, generally the term 'Optician' is used to describe a professional who is trained to assist patients with finding the most suitable vision correction, i.e. matching your prescription with the right frame and lens optio
'Optician' can be a confusing term, as it means different things in different countries, even in Europe. However, in Malta, generally the term 'Optician' is used to describe a professional who is trained to assist patients with finding the most suitable vision correction, i.e. matching your prescription with the right frame and lens options following an eye examination with an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist.
Orthoptist
An Orthoptist is a specialist in 'binocular vision' i.e. how the eyes work together. They study for a degree in Orthoptics and see patients of all ages, examining their eye muscles and movements. In particular, they work a lot with paediatric patients with abnormalities such as lazy eyes and strabismus. Orthoptics usually work within the
An Orthoptist is a specialist in 'binocular vision' i.e. how the eyes work together. They study for a degree in Orthoptics and see patients of all ages, examining their eye muscles and movements. In particular, they work a lot with paediatric patients with abnormalities such as lazy eyes and strabismus. Orthoptics usually work within the hospital environment, but may also be found offering private clinics.