So when do you visit which kind of vision specialist? Well, you need to know the difference first. Only then, you'll visit the right expert who can administer the right treatment for your specific condition.

For example:

An optician is not a doctor, but in some states they must complete training and be licensed. And in some states they can become certified, after special training, to fit contact lenses. Most opticians sell and fit eyeglasses, sunglasses, and specialty eyewear that are made to an optometrist's or ophthalmologist's prescription.

Typically, vision loss takes place when a disease has already established a stronghold. A much better treatment approach to vision loss includes addressing symptoms before they occur, not after. Most people assume that lack of vision loss means proper eye health, but this may or may not be true.

A few tests are evergreen: the trusty eye chart, which gives a basic idea of what you can see; a refraction test, in which you look through a machine to determine your exact prescription needs; a cover test, using a paddle, which reveals how well your eye muscles work together; a test for glaucoma; and a "slit lamp" examination and retinal exam, which look for diseases inside your eye.

Because sight is so important, be proactive in the care of your eyes. Select a qualified eye doctor -- one that has the right training and experience, can give proper diagnosis and treatment, is informative, promotes the best possible results, and shows genuine concern for the well-being of his or her patients.