Optometrist Definition

Optometrist Definition: An Optometrist is a health care professional who is licensed to provide primary eye care services.

Examples of treatments are:

• Examine and diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases and, in certain states in the U.S., how to treat them
• Diagnose related systemic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that may affect the eyes
• Examine, diagnose and treat visual conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and Presbyopia
• Prescribe glasses, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation and medications
• Perform minor surgical procedures such as the removal of foreign bodies

An Optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry or O.D.. This is not to be confused with a Doctor of Medicine, which is an M.D.. An Optometrist must complete a pre-professional undergraduate college education and an additional 4 years of professional education in a College of Optometry. Some Optometrists also do a residency.

An Optometrist can prescribe vision therapy.

Under Articles, also see:

How Eyesight Works

About Vision Therapy

Does Vision Therapy Really Work to Naturally Improve Eyesight?