Patients and Public
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
