What does a Doctor of Optometry do?

What is an Optometrist?
An expert in vision and eye health care

Optometrists Are Trained To:

• Prescribe glasses & contact lenses
• Remove ocular foreign bodies
• Perform pre- & post-operative care
• Perform minor surgical & laser procedures
• Provide care for patients of all ages starting at birth
• Prescribe oral and topical medication to treat eye diseases
• Diagnose over 250 systemic conditions through eye exams
• Provide low vision care & vision therapy

Optometrists Provide Care For:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Vision conditions
• Retinal disorders
• Eye infections
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Eyelid disorders

Optometric Education:

• Four year undergraduate program - bachelor’s degree
• Four year doctoral program - doctor of optometry (O.D.)
• Internships/Externships during optometric education
• Residencies to specialize in a specific area of practice
• Minimum 18 hours of continuing education each year
• Board Certification accredited by NCCA is available