Optician v. Optometrist

[eyeneedspecs]

I am a glasses wearer and fairly knowledgeable. Anyway, I was in Shanghai on business and had time to kill and saw a high end shop with very nice frames. So I inquired as of price and then was interested, but did not have my prescription. The sales person said don t worry and gave me an exam using the automatic refractor.......and then testing on the outcome of that. So, I was given a prescription and it seemed similiar to mine ( although the add was +1.75 - I was wearing a +1.25, but it was at least six months old).
I got a great pair of Sillouhette frames with progressive lenses and it was most clarity I ever had. the 1.75 is definitely better..........I was quite surprised..........In USA, I would never have taken an exam from anyone but an OD. Quite an interesting and fruitful experience.

[DocInChina]

China requires a licensed optometrist to examine you in any optical shop. Unfortuntely there are far more optical shops than there are optometrists. [Please note that an optometrist in China does not have the same education as an optometrist in the USA or Canada.]

The people in the optical shops are "trained" to refract typically by a co-worker or an optometrist. Many times there are untrained people working in shops and they prescribe based upon the autorefractor finding. I am glad you are satisfied with your vision, your purchase and your experience in China.

Doc