Opticians

Licensed Opticians

Like many health care providers, opticians are regulated professionals. The profession is often regulated by optician specific agencies or institutions. Since August 2008, sales of spectacles, frames, contact lenses and other ophthalmic devices are forbidden outside of certified retail optic shops. Their activity and functions are regulated by regional health centres and regional inspector centres for public health.

Variety of services and range of goods often depend on how big a retailer is.

Small Opticians

Usually small opticians work independently from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, which means that their clients need ophthalmologist’s prescription. Most of the clients chose their services because of their location. In a small optician workshop just one specialist consults a client and designs an ophthalmic lens or appliance to best meet their needs. Some of them offer very competitive prices.

Larger Opticians and Chains

Naturally larger opticians or optical retail chains are able to provide extensive choice of eyewear and optical products and services. Often they work in a joint practice with other eye care professionals – ophthalmologists or optometrists. Their clients can choose contact lens options from the world’s leading manufacturers and world famous brands.  Some of the big retailers also provide clients programmes and Employers schemes, which offer a discounted price for their products and services.

Buy Online

Some of the larger retailers provide catalogues of products on their websites as well as the opportunity to buy some of the goods online. Usually they don't sell glasses, but their clients can purchase contact lenses, sunglasses and accessories as: glasses cases, lens cleaning cloths, glasses cleaning sprays, contact lens cases, contact lens solutions, glasses cords, etc.

Useful Links:

Ministry of Health
European Medicine Agency ????
World Health Organization