c

An optometrist is the primary care doctor for the eyes. An optometrist is a Doctor of
Optometry (OD), and is a state licensed professional. At present, the Doctor of
Optometry diagnosis and treats optical deficiencies and deformities, vision and
muscular anomalies, eye disease and vision problems, provides routine eye care
services and prescribes and dispenses corrective lenses. Optometrists examine and
prescribe vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, prescribe or provide orthoptics (also
known as visual training or eye exercises), corrective lenses, contact lenses and
medications. In some cases the optometrist will perform certain surgical procedures and
will provide post-op care after surgery.

In the United States there are sixteen schools and Colleges of Optometry. The study of
optometry is a formal four year program. This is entered into upon completion of four
years of undergraduate studies in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and
psychology. Often, the optometry student will spend the first two years in the classroom
and the laboratory. Thereafter, the third and fourth years are spent in a clinical
environment, in addition to classroom and laboratory work.

Most optometrists are in private practice. Group vision practices engage optometrists to
render eye examinations and provide optometric services to the eye care patient.c
c