They analyze test results and develop a treatment plan. They use drugs for diagnosis of eye vision problems and prescribe drugs to treat some eye diseases. They also diagnose conditions due to systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and refer patients to other health practitioners as needed. Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists, physicians who perform surgery and treat eye disease and injury.
Most optometrists are in general practice.
Some specialize in work with the elderly, children, or partially sighted persons who need specialized visual devices to improve their vision. Some specialize in contact lenses, sports vision or vision therapy. A few teach optometry, do research or consult. Most optometrists are private practitioners who also handle the business aspects of running an office, such as developing a patient base, hiring employees, keeping records, and ordering equipment and supplies. Optometrists who operate franchise optical stores may also have some of these duties.