At the eye clinic you may see several different people in one visit. Each has a different job. Knowing who is who helps you ask the right questions.
Swipe the cards, then tap a team member to find out what they do.
Ophthalmologist (eye doctor)
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has done further years of training in eye diseases and eye surgery.
- Diagnoses and treats all eye conditions, from red eyes to cataract, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease
- Prescribes eye drops and medicines
- Does eye surgery, laser treatment and eye injections
- Looks for signs of other illnesses that show up in the eye, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Who you might meet: a Consultant Ophthalmologist (senior specialist) leads the team. You may also be seen by medical officers and residents, who are doctors working and training in the eye department under the consultant's supervision.
Optometrist
An optometrist is trained to test your eyes for glasses and contact lenses. This is called a refraction.
- Measures whether you are short-sighted, long-sighted or have astigmatism
- Prescribes glasses and fits contact lenses
- May help with low vision aids for people with poor sight
In Brunei, optometrists at government eye clinics mainly do refraction. They do not usually diagnose or treat eye diseases. If they find a problem with the health of your eye, they will refer you to the eye doctor.
How to see an optometrist in Brunei
- Optometrists are based at the Community Eye Clinics.
- It is by appointment only. There is no walk-in service.
- To book, contact your health centre and ask for an appointment with the optometrist.
- BruHealth appointment slots are for seeing the doctor, not the optometrist.
Orthoptist
An orthoptist specialises in how the two eyes move and work together.
- Checks children for squint and lazy eye (amblyopia), and plans patching treatment
- Assesses double vision in adults, for example after a stroke or nerve palsy, or with thyroid eye disease
- May fit prisms on glasses to help with double vision
- Does measurements before and after squint surgery
How to see an orthoptist: by referral only, from the eye doctor or an optometrist.
Ophthalmic nurse
Ophthalmic nurses are nurses with extra training in eye care.
- Put in eye drops, including drops to widen the pupils before the doctor examines you
- Help in operating theatres and injection clinics
- Prepare you for eye surgery and explain how to look after your eye afterwards
- Teach you how to put in your eye drops properly
- Are often your first point of contact if you have questions or worries after treatment
Ophthalmic assistant
Ophthalmic assistants (also called ophthalmic technicians) help with tests before you see the doctor.
- Check your vision with the letter chart
- Measure your eye pressure
- Take scans and photographs of the back of the eye (such as OCT and retinal photos)
- Do visual field tests (side vision) and measurements before cataract surgery
These tests give the doctor the information they need, so the visit can feel long. Bring something to read and allow a few hours, especially if your pupils are widened.
Optician
An optician is different from an optometrist. Opticians usually work in spectacle shops.
- Make and fit glasses from a prescription
- Help you choose frames and lenses
- Adjust and repair glasses
They do not examine the health of your eyes.
This page is for general education and does not replace advice from your own doctor.