What is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is a primary health care practitioner trained to diagnose, treat, and manage vision and eye health conditions. In addition to the use of pharmaceutical agents, optometrists prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy, and perform minor surgical procedures. Doctors of optometry complete their four-year undergraduate studies before entering optometry school, which consists of a four-year curriculums and includes at least two years of clinical training. Following graduation from an accredited college of optometry, all optometrists must pass a battery of tests issued by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, which includes clinical competency testing.
