That's an optometrist, Scooter. There's a bit of a difference between Lens Crafters and a general practitioner.
A very real difference, yes.
Optometrist - A Doctor of Optometry, an O.D. (not to be confused with a Doctor of Medicine, an M.D.). To become an optometrist, one must complete pre-professional undergraduate college education followed by 4 years of professional education in a college of optometry. Some optometrists also do a residency.
Ophthalmologist - An eye M.D., a medical doctor who is specialized in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. They may also be involved in eye research.
After 4 years of medical school and a year of internship, every ophthalmologist spends a minimum of 3 years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During residency, the eye M.D. receives special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases. An ophthalmologist may spend an additional year or two in training in a subspecialty, that is, a specific area of eye care .
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22559
Basically the same difference between a pharmacist and an MD.
Yes, here in America everything is about making a profit. Even basic services and institutions so vital to us like the doctor have to make a profit.
Or it could be that since their malpractice insurance costs are through the roof because of frivolous lawsuits, and the assholes that pursue bullshit litigation against them, they have to charge a bit more.
