What is an optometrist?

Optometrists are independent, primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. Optometrists are an integral part of the health care team. As eye care practitioners, they are skilled in the co-management of eye health and vision care. They examine the structures of the eye to detect and diagnose:

• Vision conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia
• Binocular vision conditions such as convergence insufficiency, which can cause eye discomfort and difficulty reading
• Eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders
• Systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes

Optometrists prescribe and/or provide eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids and vision therapy. They prescribe medications to treat eye diseases and perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists also do testing to determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eye, judge depth perception, and see colors accurately.

Education