What Is an Optometrist?

An optometrist is a nonmedical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and disorders of the eye and visual system.

Optometrists can do the following, as detailed by the American Optometric Association (AOA):

• Perform eye exams and vision tests
• Prescribe and dispense corrective lenses
• Detect some eye abnormalities
• Prescribe medications for some eye diseases
• Guide rehabilitation for low vision
• Offer vision therapy
• Counsel about surgical and nonsurgical options
• Perform some surgical procedures

Optometrist Training and Education

Optometrists do not attend medical school.

After graduating from a college or university, aspiring optometrists receive four years of professional education at a college of optometry.

Once finished, they have obtained a doctor of optometry (OD) degree, notes the AOA.

Some optometrists go on to complete a residency in a specific area of optometry.

Optometrists must become licensed in the state where they practice.

Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist vs Optician

Unlike optometrists, ophthalmologists are medical doctors.

After receiving an undergraduate degree, ophthalmologists complete four years of medical school and one year of an internship, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Then ophthalmologists spend at least three years as a resident in a hospital setting. They receive  training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and injuries.

Opticians are also nonmedical professionals. They are technicians trained to design and fit glasses, lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight, according to the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine.

Where Do Optometrists Work?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most optometrists work in private offices.

Other locations where they may work include:

• Doctors’ offices
• Retail stores
• Outpatient clinics
• Hospitals