Optometrists

Individuals who examine people's eyes, prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders. They check patient vision using eye charts; measure patient nearsightedness, farsightedness, depth perception and other vision problems using optical instruments; prescribe and fit corrective lenses or other corrective treatments to conserve, improve and correct vision; prescribe training exercises to strengthen weak eye muscles; and counsel patients on contact lens use and care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, working distances and safety factors. They may also examine eyes for glaucoma and other diseases and refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons when ocular or other diseases are found. Optometrists may specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact lenses or correcting special vision problems.