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Optometry is the health care profession concerned with examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the eyes and related structures, and with determination and correction of vision problems using lenses and other optical aids.
An optometrist (Greek: optos meaning seen or visible and metria meaning measurement) is an eye care professional who is a primary care practitioner for most vision and ocular health concerns. Optometrists are trained to diagnose, manage, and treat a multitude of visual and ocular health-related concerns, including, but not limited to, fitting and prescribing spectacles and contact lenses, diagnosing and treating (excluding surgery) muscular abnormalities, treating minor ocular injuries, diagnosing and treating diseases such as glaucoma and diagnosing others such as diabetic retinopathy. In Oklahoma, optometrists perform certain laser procedures.
Optometrists are experts in determining one's refractive error and prescribing the appropriate correction. In the United States they perform comprehensive eye exams and diagnose and treat many of the most common eye disorders whether they be visual or physical. As with all medical practitioners, referrals are made when more specialized care is needed.
In the United States, ophthalmologist and optometrist are specific terms referring to specific state licensing and courses of professional study. Optometrists are allied health professionals who complete optometry school (a 4 year graduate program) and receive the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. They are required to receive board certification, and some go on to complete post-graduate residencies. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who have completed medical school (a 4 year graduate program) followed by a 3-4 year surgical residency in ophthalmology. Some ophthalmologists further their education with advanced training (a fellowship) in a specific subspecialty of ophthalmology. The American Optometric Association characterizes optometrists as "primary eye care providers." Ophthalmogists are trained to perform eye surgery ranging from minor procedures to advanced surgical interventions. There is overlap in the capabilities of the two professions to treat eye disease with pharmacological agents and minor procedures. |
