Christchurchnz.info provides information on Optometrist and eye specialist services in Christchurch. From choosing a new pair of glasses to diagnosing conditions affecting eye health Optometrists are qualified to provide you with professional eye care advice and services.

There are two types of 'eye doctors' with different qualifications and specializing in eye care services, Optometrists and Ophthalmologists.

An optometrist is an eye doctor who has earned the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Optometrist services include examining eyes for vision and health problems, and they also correct refractive errors by prescribing glasses and contact lenses. 

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specialises in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye exams, diagnose and treat disease, prescribe medications and perform eye surgery. They also write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Optician's are not 'eye doctor's' but are an important part of your eye care team. Opticians use prescriptions written by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to fit and sell eyeglasses, contact lenses and other eyewear.

The health and condition of a persons eyes can indicate their general health and well being. A number of general health conditions can be indicated by symptoms in a persons eye. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disease and allergies can be indicated by symptoms such as leaky blood vessels, inflammation, blisters, swollen blood vessels and more. 

Regular visits to an Optometrist are encouraged even if you have seemingly perfect vision and eye health. By seeing an eye care professional regularly they can identify changes in your eye health and any indications of conditions affecting your general health, from their tests and eye exams. 

To find an eye care professional such as an Optometrist in Christchurch start by looking at Christchurchnz.info and the directory of services available in Christchurch.