Remember, in the U.S. an optician isn't an eye doctor -- he's just the guy who helps you select and fit your new eyeglasses or contacts. If you need an eye exam, you'll need to visit with either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, and only the last one's an MD.

Finding an optician may be as simple as going to your local mall; there's almost always an eyecare clinic there. However, even though an optician's perhaps the lowest rung on the optical care ladder, you should still take a little time and shop around before you choose one.

In addition to filling prescriptions for eyeglasses and contacts, many opticians will be willing to give you an eye test. This is especially important as you get older, since cataracts become increasingly common as you age. Almost a third of people over 65 get cataracts.