Treatment can range from prescribing spectacles, contact lenses or eye exercises, to simply giving advice on lighting or visual habits. Most optometrists supply the patient with the items which are prescribed to assist vision, most commonly spectacles and contact lenses. The optometrist also ensures that the spectacles or contact lenses are in all ways suited to the patient. An important part of an optometrist's work is the detection of eye disease. Whenever an optometrist uncovers a visual complaint which requires medical or surgical treatment the patient is referred to a general medical practitioner or an ophthalmologist.
Some optometrists develop special interests in a particular aspect of vision care.
Optometry is a rewarding career for those prepared to accept the responsibility of caring for people's vision. Most optometry graduates enter the course with the aim of becoming a privately practising optometrist. Optometry is the only profession apart from medicine to be included in Medicare being a member of a profession with a sound future. Perhaps the most important personal quality required by an optometrist is a liking for people of all ages and a genuine desire to help their patients. Another important personal attribute is a strong academic background, as the optometry courses are challenging, with places not easily gained.