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Optometrist

Optometrists are health professionals who diagnose and treat vision problems and diseases of the eye. An optometrist is not a medical doctor, but rather a doctor of optometry (OD).

Optometrists can perform routine vision testing, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, diagnose vision problems and eye disease, prescribe medicines to treat some diseases of the eye, and provide care before and after eye surgery.

Optometrists must complete at least 3 years of undergraduate work and 4 years of optometry school. They must take a national licensing examination and are licensed by the state in which they practice.

Last Revised: August 20, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

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