Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and vision therapy. They use drugs for diagnosis in all States and, as of 1995, may use topical and oral drugs to treat some eye diseases in 46 States. Optometrists often provide postoperative care to cataract and other eye surgery 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. O ptometrists 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. M ost optometrists are in general practice. Some specialize in work with the elderly, children, or partially sighted persons who need specialized visual aids to improve their vision.