There is no doubt eyes are one of the very important parts of the body with the ability to see considered the most valuable gift. The importance of eyes therefore requires appropriate care for the same. The reality is however different as eyes are one of the most neglected organs of the body. Many people take their eyes for granted and do not make any effort to ensure that their eyes are protected from adverse effects. It is therefore nor surprising that many have lost their eyes and actually become blind.

The importance of eyes has led to study of the same with varied eye care specialists now available. These are highly trained professionals with the necessary knowledge on treating diseases that affect eyes. While some of the professionals only diagnose and treat associated diseases, there are those that have specialized in eye surgery, a treatment that restores damaged eyes. Different eye care specialists are available:

• Ophthalmologist – This is an eye specialist who is medically qualified as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Training of an Ophthalmologist takes a long time. In Canada and other jurisdictions, one is obligated to undergo at least 4 years of university education in medicine, 1 year internship and three years residency training. It is only after this that a qualified Ophthalmologist can be registered to offer his/her service to members of the public either in government run health facilities or in private practice. Long standing and experienced Canadian Ophthalmologists are not only members of the national association of Ophthalmologists but also members of International Council of Ophthalmology.
• Optometrist – This is an eye specialist who is medically qualified as a Doctor of Optometry. An Optometrist specializes in diagnosing and treating varied eye diseases and disorders. Unlike Ophthalmologists, Optometrists do not perform any eye surgery although they can assist Ophthalmologists in doing so. Training of an Optometrist involves at least 4 years of study at a university medical school and a further 2 or three years specialized study to qualify as an Optometrist. Professional Optometrists are usually members of World Council of Optometry.
• Orthopist – This is an eye specialist who is qualified as a specialized medical technician. He/she diagnoses and manages problems in eye movement and coordination. Like with Optometrists, an Orthopist can also assist an Ophthalmologist in performing eye surgery and lecture university students undertaking the training. Qualified Orthopists are usually members of the International Orthoptic Association.
• Optician – This is the other eye specialist who qualifies as a medical technician. He/she specializes in fabricating and fitting ophthalmic lenses including spectacles and contact lenses.
• Vision therapist – Although mostly performed by both Orthopists and Optometrists, there are specialized vision therapists whose work with patients in need of vision therapy. Such are children or adult patients who the use of corrective lenses does not yield positive results.

Accessing the services of these specialized professionals can at times be very expensive. This calls for the need of proper eye care at personal level to minimize occurrence of eye disease. Such simple practices as protective the eyes against the sun's UV rays can go along way in preventing ophthalmic health problems.