Optometrist

What is an optometrist?

An optometrist is an eye care specialist. Optometrist is pronounced op-TOM-meh-trisst.

Optometrists examine, diagnose and treat injuries and health conditions that affect your eyes and vision. They play an important role in maintaining your eye (and overall) health.

Is an optometrist a doctor?

Yes, optometrists are eye doctors. But they’re a different kind of doctor than your primary care physician (PCP).

PCPs are usually medical doctors (MD) or doctors of osteopathy (DO). Optometrists have a doctor of optometry (OD) degree and attend optometry school instead of medical school.

How long does it take to become an optometrist?

It takes four years to complete an OD degree. Most optometrists have a four-year undergraduate degree, too. Some optometrists complete a one-year residency after optometry school.

What does an optometrist do?

Optometrists can diagnose and treat eye diseases and vision problems. They perform eye exams to identify any problems with eyes or vision. Optometrists can prescribe many of the most common treatments you’ll need, including:

• Eyeglasses.
• Contact lenses.
• Low vision aids.
• Medications to treat eye conditions.

Your optometrist can diagnose and treat lots of common eye injuries. But most optometrists don’t perform surgery. You’ll probably need to visit an ophthalmologist if you need an operation on your eyes.

Which eye problems can an optometrist diagnose?

Optometrists can diagnose many common vision problems and eye diseases.

Common vision issues your optometrist can diagnose include:

• Nearsightedness (myopia).
• Farsightedness (hyperopia).
• Astigmatism.
• Double vision (diplopia).
• Presbyopia.
• Amblyopia (lazy eye).
• Color blindness.

Your optometrist can diagnose many eye diseases, including:

• Eye infections.
• Glaucoma.
• Cataracts.
• Issues with your retina.
• Macular degeneration.

How often should I have my eyes examined?

Having your eyes and vision checked regularly can help your optometrist identify problems right away. How often you should get your eyes checked usually depends on your age:

• Kids: A pediatrician should check your child’s eyes before they start school. Your child’s provider may do an eye exam sooner than this if they think your child may have a vision or eye issue. They’ll do follow-up exams every year.
• Adults 18-65: Every year or two.
• Adults older than 65: Every two to four years.
• Adults older than 55: Every year.

You might need your eyes checked more often than this if you wear glasses, contacts or need treatment for an eye or vision issue. Ask your optometrist or healthcare provider if you need eye exams more often.

How do I take care of my eyes?

Tell your optometrist or another eye care specialist about any changes in your vision. Talk to your eye care specialist if you notice any new symptoms in your eyes, including:

• Blurry vision.
• Red eye.
• Eye pain.
• Double vision.
• Light sensitivity (photophobia).
• New eye flashes or floaters in your vision.
• Your vision is changing enough that you notice it — especially if it’s suddenly worse.

Which questions should I ask my optometrist?

You may want to ask your optometrist:

• How often should I have my eyes checked?
• Which type of corrective lenses will I need?
• Which tests will I need?
• Will I need any medication for my eyes or vision?

What is the difference between an optometrist and an optician?

Optometrists can diagnose and treat issues in your eyes. They’ll also conduct your regular eye exams.

Opticians work with optometrists and ophthalmologists. They usually have a two-year technical degree or certification. They’ll fit you for glasses and, sometimes, contacts or other vision correction aids. They can also adjust or replace your glasses, lenses or frames.