Optometrist

Exam

State + third-party exam

Education

Degree

Experience

None

Background check

Specific type of conviction prohibited

Doctors of optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. They measure the powers of vision of the human eye and prescribe lenses, prisms, contact lenses, and exercises to correct or remedy any defect or abnormal conditions of vision. They are required by law to perform certain testing procedures to determine whether the eyes are functioning visually and free from disease or other disorder. They use special instruments to test for depth and color perception as well as the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Some optometrists supply patients with lenses and eyeglasses and make minor eyeglass repairs. A therapeutic optometrist may also treat eye diseases and injuries, prescribe medicine and perform other procedures such as eye foreign body removal. An optometric glaucoma specialist may also treat glaucoma (in a co-management process with ophthalmologists) and prescribe a limited number of oral drugs.