Many Australians are unsure where to find answers when their vision changes. Especially when changes come later in life, or when symptoms arise that could be a sign of something more than an outdated prescription.
There is good news: an Ophthalmologist can prescribe glasses and contact lenses, check your eye health, diagnose eye conditions, and provide medical advice where needed.
Understanding the difference between eye specialists in Perth means you can make informed choices about your long-term eye health and get answers without the runaround of booking multiple appointments.
What Is an Ophthalmologist?
An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has undertaken additional training in diagnosing, treating, and managing eye conditions. In Australia, Ophthalmologists complete at least 12 years of University and training before becoming qualified specialists.
Unlike other eye care providers, Ophthalmologists like Dr Phillip McGeorge at Murdoch Eye Centre are trained to manage the full spectrum of eye health concerns, including:
Because they are medically trained specialists, Ophthalmologists can assess whether blurred vision is simply a prescription issue or whether an underlying eye condition may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can an Ophthalmologist Prescribe Glasses?
Yes, Ophthalmologists can also prescribe glasses and contact lenses as part of a comprehensive eye examination. The prescription they provide meets the same professional standards used across Australian eye care.
One advantage of seeing an Ophthalmologist for a glasses prescription is that they can evaluate your eye health at the same time. If your symptoms are linked to cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, or another medical issue, the Ophthalmologist can usually identify the issue and discuss treatment options during the consultation.
This is particularly important for people experiencing:
- Sudden vision changes
- Difficulty seeing despite updated glasses
- Eye pain or redness
- Flashes or floaters
- Vision distortion
In these situations, simply updating your glasses prescription may not fully address the problem.
Ophthalmologist vs Optometrist: What’s the Difference?
People often get confused about the difference between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist because both professionals provide eye care and prescribe glasses.
- An Optometrist provides primary vision care. They perform routine eye tests, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and identify common eye conditions.
- An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor with specialist training in eye disease and surgery. Ophthalmologists can prescribe glasses, but they also diagnose and treat more complex eye conditions.
Both professions work closely together. Many patients see an Optometrist for routine eye care and are referred to an Ophthalmologist for specialised assessment or treatment.
| Optometrist (AHPRA) | Ophthalmologist (RANZCO) |
| Qualifications | 4–5 years university optometry degree | 12+ years: medical degree + specialist training |
| Registration | Optometry Board of Australia | Medical Board + RANZCO fellowship |
| Scope of care | Non-surgical vision care, early disease detection | Full medical and surgical eye care |
| Services | Eye tests, glasses, contact lenses, and disease monitoring | Medical/surgical exams, diagnosis, and procedures |
| Surgery | No | Yes |
Do I Need a Referral to See an Ophthalmologist?
It’s generally preferred to bring a referral from your GP or Optometrist. While not a strict requirement here at Murdoch Eye Centre, we find it helps to understand the full picture of your eye health and collaborate with your primary eye care professional for effective treatment.
What is an Orthoptist?
Orthoptists are allied health professionals who are university-trained to diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated vision problems.
If you are unsure whether you should speak to an Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, or Orthoptist, feel free to call Murdoch Eye Centre for personalised advice.
Did you know: There are around 1,000 Ophthalmologists and 1,000 Orthoptists in Australia, compared to almost 7,500 Optometrists.
When Should You See an Ophthalmologist for Glasses?
An Optometrist is the right eye specialist for routine vision testing. However, there are situations where seeing an Ophthalmologist in Perth for a glasses prescription may be beneficial:
- Vision changes alongside pain, redness, or discomfort
- Flashes, floaters, or distorted vision
- Existing eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts
- Difficulty achieving clear vision with standard prescriptions
- A history of eye surgery or eye trauma
- Diabetes or other medical conditions affecting the eyes
An Ophthalmologist can assess both your eyesight and your eye health during the same appointment. In fact, this is often where specialist assessment becomes especially valuable.
For example, cataracts may cause blurred vision that cannot be fully corrected with glasses alone. Similarly, retinal conditions can affect vision even when the glasses prescription seems accurate.
An Ophthalmologist can prescribe glasses and help you get the right treatment for the underlying issue at the same time.
Five Benefits of Getting a Glasses Prescription From an Ophthalmologist
Comprehensive Eye Health Assessment
An Ophthalmologist evaluates more than your glasses prescription. They examine the health of your entire eye anatomy, including your cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, and surrounding eye structures.
Early Detection of Eye Disease
Blurred vision is not always a sign that you need stronger glasses. Eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration can develop gradually and may initially show as mild vision changes.
Early diagnosis often allows for more effective management.
Specialist Advice in One Location
If you need additional treatment, you can discuss your options directly with a medically trained eye specialist. They can guide you through treatment options, including monitoring, medication, laser procedures, or surgery.
Continuity of Care
Patients with chronic eye conditions often benefit from ongoing care with the same Ophthalmologist. This allows changes in vision and eye health to be monitored over time.
Reassurance for Complex Vision Problems
For patients with unusual symptoms or complex visual needs, specialist assessment provides clarity, comfort, and peace of mind.
Why Choose Murdoch Eye Centre?
Murdoch Eye Centre has been providing comprehensive ophthalmology care in Perth since 1995. Led by Dr Phillip McGeorge, one of the most accomplished and experienced eye specialists in Perth, the practice offers advanced assessment and treatment for a wide range of eye conditions.
Our patients benefit from:
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Advanced diagnostic imaging and testing
- Experienced Ophthalmologists and clinical staff
- Management of both routine and complex eye conditions
- Personalised care focused on long-term vision outcomes
Whether you require a glasses prescription, cataract assessment, glaucoma management, or surgical advice, the team provides individualised care based on your specific eye health needs.
For patients asking, “can an Ophthalmologist prescribe glasses while also checking for eye disease?”, the answer is yes. This combined approach is one of the key benefits of specialist ophthalmology care
If your vision has changed, or you are unsure whether you simply need glasses or a more detailed eye assessment, an appointment with an Ophthalmologist will provide the answers.
Ophthalmologists can prescribe glasses, assess your overall eye health, and identify underlying conditions that may be affecting your vision.
Murdoch Eye Centre provides comprehensive eye care for patients across Perth, with consulting rooms in Murdoch and Subiaco. To arrange an appointment, fill in the form below or contact us on (08) 9218 7666.
