From optometrist to nurse: a guide to eye health roles

Sightsavers’ work relies on thousands of skilled eye health staff worldwide. Here you can learn what each job involves, and how their knowledge and skill helps us to change lives.

Dr Moira Chinthambi from Malawi is an ophthalmologist who works on Sightsavers’ inclusive eye health programme.

What does each role involve?

Gladys, an ophthalmologist, is in surgery operating on a cataract patient.

The ophthalmologist

These medical doctors specialise in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye surgery and can diagnose and treat eye diseases. They also prescribe medication, spectacles and contact lenses.

Optometrist George stands outside wearing a People's Postcode Lottery branded baseball cap and polo shirt.

The optometrist

An optometrist’s main role is to perform eye tests to detect vision problems, or health issues such as high blood pressure. They offer advice, prescribe spectacles and refer patients for treatment.

An ophthalmic nurse checks a woman's eyes on World Sight Day in Zambia.

The ophthalmic nurse

Ophthalmic nurses are nursing professionals who assess patients with eye issues, then provide initial care and first-aid treatment. If patients need further treatment, they are referred to an ophthalmologist.

Samson Lokele poses next to his image in the Science Museum exhibition.

The ophthalmic clinical officer

Ophthalmic clinical officers provide basic medical care when doctors are not available. They treat simple conditions and carry out eye exams, working alongside ophthalmologists to help them see more patients.

Meet the people behind the roles

How we’re helping to improve eye health

The right people

Many low and middle income countries have a major shortage of eye health staff.

Since 1950, we’ve supported more than 8,300 eye health workers to gain a professional qualification.

The right place

Most eye care staff are based in cities, leaving rural areas under-resourced.

To ensure remote communities are covered, we train local health workers so they can treat people in rural areas.

The right time

Populations continue to grow, yet it can take many years to train eye health staff.

We help to develop the skills of mid-level eye health staff so work can be distributed between more people.

Learn about our work across Africa and Asia

Sightsavers and eye health

Our latest eye health stories

A woman wearing a surgical face mask holds two mobile phones while recording data about cataract operations in Nigeria.

News / Eye health /

Peek Vision's innovative app aims to improve the country's eye health and ensure robust, continued care for people with visual impairments.

October 2024

Twelve-year-old Arthur smiles as he stands next to his teacher, Mr Thompson. They stand in front of a chalk board in a classroom.

Blogs / Eye health /

In line with World Sight Day’s focus on child eye health, our experts reveal why eye screenings in schools are boosting students’ academic performance.

September 2024

Community volunteer Richard Lowoto with a group of patients and their families seated under a shady tree in Turkana, Kenya.

Stories / Eye health /

In the unforgiving desert of northern Kenya, getting treatment for painful, debilitating eye conditions such as trachoma can be an impossible task.

We protect sight, fight disease and make sure everyone can claim their rights.

Find out how your support can make a huge difference and change lives.