Optometry is the field involving virtually everything that has to do with eyes and vision, including examination, diagnosis and treatment of the eyes and surrounding structures, and the treatment of vision problems.

Doctors of optometry (O.D.s/optometrists), America’s primary eye health care providers, are the frontline of eye and vision care. Doctors of optometry are essential health care providers and are recognized as physicians under Medicare. They examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, they play a major role in an individual’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases, and diagnosing, treating and managing ocular manifestations of those diseases, and providing vaccinations.

They should not be confused with ophthalmologists or dispensing opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery, in addition to diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Dispensing opticians fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists.

Learn More About Optometry

• Future Eye Doc Website
• Applicants Resource Page
• Be a Doctor of Optometry: Put Your Future in Focus Video
• Doctor of Optometry Changing Lives Daily Video
• Why I Chose the Field of Optometry Video
• Eye on Optometry Blog
• Eye Opener Session Program (mentoring/shadowing opportunities)
• Optometry: A Career Guide

The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry reviewed this overview.