The recognition and diagnosis of related systemic manifestations help to preserve and enhance the patient's quality of life. Doctors of Optometry are the major providers of primary eye care. Optometrists are health care professionals, specifically educated, clinically trained and state licensed to examine, diagnose and treat eyes for vision problems, diseases, injuries and ocular manifestations of systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and immunological disorders. Eye and health care needs of patients in the local communities have shaped the scope of optometric practice as it is today.
Most schools also require an interview to assess interpersonal and communication skills.
Although admission requirements vary across colleges, a strong background in the biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and communication is a common requirement among all institutions. A bulletin of admission requirements and curriculum description is available from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. In addition, students receive extensive clinical training in all areas of optometric practice, including visual correction, contact lenses, vision therapy, and the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease. A typical student will experience over 1500 patient examinations during his or her training. In most of the schools, the fourth year of the curriculum is spent in full time patient care at affiliated hospitals and clinics located at the schools or at off-campus sites.