 Optometrists,
also known as doctors of optometry, or ODs, provide most primary vision
care. They examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye
diseases, and they test patients' visual acuity, depth and color
perception, and ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometrists
prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and provide vision therapy and
low-vision rehabilitation. Optometrists analyze test results and develop
a treatment plan.
 They administer drugs to patients to aid in the
diagnosis of vision problems and prescribe drugs to treat some eye
diseases. Optometrists often provide preoperative and postoperative care
to cataract patients, as well as to patients who have had laser vision
correction or other eye surgery. They also diagnose conditions caused by
systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring
patients to other health practitioners as needed.
 Most
optometrists are in general practice. Some specialize in work with the
elderly, children, or partially sighted persons who need specialized
visual devices. Others develop and implement ways to protect workers'
eyes from on-the-job strain or injury. Some specialize in contact
lenses, sports vision, or vision therapy. A few teach optometry, perform
research, or consult.
Optometrists should
not be confused with ophthalmologists or dispensing opticians.
Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery, as well as
diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries. Like optometrists, they
also examine eyes and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Dispensing opticians fit and adjust eyeglasses and, in some States, may
fit contact lenses according to prescriptions written by
ophthalmologists or optometrists.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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