Which professional is responsible for fitting and dispensing eyeglasses?

The professional responsible for fitting and dispensing eyeglasses is an optician. Opticians are specifically trained to work with lenses and eyewear, ensuring that prescriptions provided by an optometrist or ophthalmologist are accurately translated into functional eyeglasses. They handle the technical aspects of fitting lenses into frames and make adjustments to ensure the glasses fit well, are comfortable, and function effectively for the wearer.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care and surgery, and they typically focus on diagnosing and treating eye diseases rather than dispensing glasses. Optometrists perform eye examinations and can prescribe corrective lenses but do not usually handle the fitting and dispensing process. Orthopedists specialize in the musculoskeletal system and have no involvement with eye care or vision correction. Understanding the distinct roles within eye care helps clarify the importance of each professional in the overall process, highlighting the optician's crucial function in eyewear provision.