O.D.
Doctor of Optometry
Scope of Practice:
Within the healthcare system, optometrists function as primary eye care providers who are especially experienced in fitting contact lenses and glasses prescriptions. Opticians in America generally dispense corrective eyewear, and in some cases also construct the corrective eyewear.
Optometrists can also treat their patients that have eye diseases with:
Oral medications (such as antivirals, antibiotics, oral steroids and pain medications)
Topical medications such as prescription eye drops to treat glaucoma or red eye.
Injectable medications.
Optometrists may also be trained in some surgical techniques, including those for foreign body removal, corneal injury, eyelid & lacrimal disease, removal of "lumps and bumps" around the eyes and others.
