A doctor of optometry who examines, diagnoses, treats and manages diseases and disorders of the eye, visual system and associated structures. Prescribes medications, contact lenses, glasses and optical aids.DO NOT CONFUSE with Ophthalmologist, who primarily performs eye surgery, or with optician who makes and fits glasses from prescriptions by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
NOTE: State governments regulate the practice of optometry. Each state has different laws regulating the extent to which optometrists can prescribe drugs, treat disease and perform surgery.