Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, and low vision aids. They use drugs for diagnosis in all States and, as of 1993, they may use topical and oral drugs to treat some eye diseases in 37 States. Optometrists often provide postoperative care to cataract patients. When optometrists diagnose conditions that require care beyond the optometric scope of practice such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they refer patients to other health practitioners. Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists or dispensing opticians.
Ophthalmologists are physicians who diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries.
They perform surgery and prescribe drugs. Like optometrists, they also examine eyes and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. Dispensing opticians fit and adjust eyeglasses and in some States may fit contact lenses according to prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists. Most optometrists are in general practice. Some specialize in work with the elderly, with children, or with partially sighted persons who use specialized visual aids.