What does an Optometrist do?

Optometrists are primary health care professionals who provide comprehensive eye and vision care. Optometrists diagnose and treat refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism; binocular vision problems, such as crossed eyes and lazy eye; and other eye conditions, such as dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

To become an optometrist, one must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school. Optometrists must pass a national board exam in order to obtain a license to practice.

Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. They also prescribe medication to treat eye conditions, such as antibiotics to treat infections or eye drops to reduce inflammation. In some states, optometrists can perform laser surgery to correct refractive errors.

Optometrists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, retail stores, and hospitals. They often work closely with other eye care professionals, such as ophthalmologists, opticians, and optometric technicians.

Here is a more detailed list of the duties of an optometrist:

* Conduct eye exams to assess visual acuity, eye alignment, and color vision

* Diagnose and treat eye conditions, such as refractive errors, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration

* Prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses

* Prescribe medication to treat eye conditions

* Perform laser surgery to correct refractive errors

* Screen for systemic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension

* Refer patients to other health care professionals, such as ophthalmologists, internists, or pediatricians

Optometrists play an important role in the delivery of eye care. They provide affordable, accessible care to patients of all ages. Optometrists can help you to maintain good vision throughout your life.