A common question! Think about it this way, a GP is a general practitioner and an Optometrist is an eye practitioner.
Often someone will go to their GP with an eye problem only to be referred to us. There is a (unfortunate) misconception that Optometrists only sell glasses. Even though that is part of what we do, finding the right prescription for your glasses probably only accounts for 20-30% of your appointment time. The rest is spent on the health of your eyes.
When to see whom?
Red eye: Optometrist
Something in your eye: Optometrist
Tired achy eyes: Optometrist
Black spots floating in your vision: Optometrist
Dry eyes/itchy eyes/burning eyes/tearing eyes: Optometrist
Anything to do with your eyes: Optometrist
It’s not that your GP does not know about eyes - they do. But as Optometrists we are specialised in eye health. We have qualifications to prescribe appropriate medications - usually eye drops - when needed. So we don’t need to refer you to GP to get a prescription.
We have the equipment to make assessments, aiming to manage things correctly from the the start so you get the best results sooner.
If the situation needs a referral to an eye specialist - an Ophthalmologist - we can take care of that too.
Bring eye problems to us. You can book online or phone for an appointment.