What's an Optometrist?
Optometrists are the major providers of primary eye care. 85% of all patients seek optometric care when selecting an eye doctor.
Did you know that your doctor of optometry has as much education and training as your general practitioner or dentist? Most doctors of optometry complete eight years of college: four years of premedical undergraduate education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and four years of graduate education, earning a Doctorate in Optometry. In addition, many optometrists complete a one-year residency or fellowship program following graduation. Annual continuing education is mandatory for all optometrists to renew their license to practice.
Optometrists are independent primary health providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as the diagnosis of related systemic conditions.
In accordance with state laws, optometrists prescribe, fit and dispense ocular and systemic medications for glasses and contact lenses. Optometrists provide total eye health and vision care for all ages, from infants to seniors.
Think of Optometrists for:
- Annual eye health and vision care examinations for all members of the family.
- Problem-solving concerning eyewear and visual comfort.
- Contact lens fitting and follow-up care, including bifocal lenses and lenses to correct astigmatism.
- Relief of symptoms associated with computer use.
- Vision therapy and vision training; a non-surgical option for many eye muscle disorders and focusing problems.
- Treatment of visually impaired patients with optical devices that enhance the remaining vision.
- Diagnosis, treatment and management of eye disease and related systemic conditions.
- Continued care of chronic eye and related systemic diseases.
- Emergency treatment of eye infections and inflammations, including bacterial, viral and allergic conditions and foreign body removals from the eye.