Lady smiling in city
Patient Information

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Optometrist

Optometrists are health professionals who diagnose and treat many vision problems and diseases of the eye. An optometrist is not a medical doctor, but rather a doctor of optometry (OD).

Optometrists can perform routine vision testing, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, detect vision problems and eye disease, prescribe medicines to treat some diseases of the eye, and provide care before and after eye surgery.

After undergraduate study, optometrists must complete optometry school. They must take a national licensing examination and are licensed by the state in which they practice.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.