Optometrist Responsibilities

Optometrists are eye doctors that specialize in basic vision problems. Performing eye exams and prescribing corrective eye glasses, contact lenses or vision are among the common services provided by optometrists. Unlike ophthalmologists that are licensed medical doctors, optometrists are not able to write medical prescriptions or treat diseases or disorders.

Perform Eye Exams

• For many optometrists, much of the day is spent performing routine eye exams on patients of all ages. Many optometrists do this in their own private practices, while others work for larger chains or eye care centers. School-aged kids are often referred to optometrists when they struggle with vision at school or do not do well on a school vision test. The optometrist typically checks to see if any corrective vision treatment is necessary.

Writing Eye Prescriptions

• Following eye exams, optometrists routinely write vision prescriptions for those that need corrective eye glasses or contact lenses. Prescriptions indicate the patient's deficiency, and are used exclusively in purchasing the appropriate corrective wear. Optometrists may also help adults and kids decide whether glasses or contacts are best for their situation. For instance, he may encourage a young athlete to consider contacts while suggesting reading glasses or regular glasses for an older adult.

Identifying Minor Eye Conditions

• Optometrists are sometimes involved in identifying basic eye problems or conditions that require further treatment with an ophthalmologist or another medial doctor. Often, when new patients come in, the optometrist will perform a glaucoma test. Glaucoma is a condition affecting a number of common optic nerve issues, and is the second leading cause of blindness in the US, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Cataracts and other eye conditions are also detectable in some optometry appointments.

Business Management

• Many optometrists own their own practices, which involves a great deal of business management skill. Income is typically higher, often six figures, but so to are the stress levels and responsibilities. Aside from simply treating patients, optometrist business owners must also concern themselves with managing a business, buying and selling products, licensing their business and managing employees. Even optometrists that do not own private practices may have to perform many of these management functions in their workplace.