Overview
Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures. They also identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.
ODs diagnose and treat, prescribe medications, perform certain surgical procedures, provide vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation, and assist patients with spectacle and contact lenses. They counsel patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options to meet their visual needs, and in cases involving surgery they provide both pre-operative and post-operative consultation and care. ODs also diagnose systemic conditions that have eye-related symptoms (i.e., diabetes or high blood pressure) and refer patients to other health practitioners, as needed.
Optometrists should not be confused with opthamologists or dispensing opticians. Opthamologists are physicians who perform eye surgery, in addition to diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Dispensing opticians fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists. U.S. News & World Report listed optometry as one of the Best Jobs for Investigative People, because it's "a profession with a high cure rate, regular hours, good pay, and realistic potential for being successfully self-employed."
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Optometrist 31 Dec 2008 [pdf, 277 KB]
For more information about pursuing a degree in optometry, see the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. This organization publishes a useful Optometry Career Guide.