IREFRACT

Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice. Optometrists are eye health care professionals state-licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.

An ocularist is a thoroughly trained professional skilled in the art of fitting, painting, and fabricating custom ocular prostheses. In addition to creating custom ocular prostheses, and providing long-term care through periodic examinations, an ocularist provides the patient with complete instructions on the care and maintenance of their prosthesis.

An optometric technician assists optometrists by performing duties, including but not limited to, basic eye testing, diagnostic tests, and assistance with corrective lenses.

An optician or other ancillary support staff person who, where authorized by state law and trained or certified to do so, may fit or dispense contact lenses to a patient based on the prescription of an optometrist or medical physician.

An optometric assistant assists optometrists by performing duties, including but not limited to, customer service, basic eye testing, and patient education.

Optometrists who work in Occupational Vision, the branch of environmental optometry, consider all aspects of the relationship between work and vision, visual performances, eye safety, and health.

Optometrists who specialize in vision therapy as a treatment process used to improve vision function. It includes a broad range of developmental and rehabilitative treatment programs individually prescribed to remediate specific sensory, motor and/or visual perceptual dysfunctions.

The professional activities performed by an Optometrist related to the fitting of contact lenses to an eye, ongoing evaluation of the cornea's ability to sustain successful contact lens wear, and treatment of any external eye or corneal condition which can affect contact lens wear.

Optometrists who work in Pediatrics are concerned with the prevention, development, diagnosis, and treatment of visual problems in children.

A broad category grouping different kinds of technologists and technicians. See individual definitions.

An ophthalmic technician/technologist assists ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions, including administering eye exams, administering eye medications, and instructing the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.

An ophthalmic assistant assists ophthalmologists by performing duties including, but not limited to, patient charting, patient education, and basic eye testing.

An optometrist who offers services designed to care for unique vision care needs of athletes, which may include one of more of the following services: corrective vision care unique to a specific sporting environment; protective eyewear for the prevention of sports-related injuries; vision enhancement - which may include vision therapy and techniques to improve visual skills specific to the athlete's sport.

An optician or other ancillary support staff person who, where authorized by state law and trained or certified to do so, may fit or dispense contact lenses to a patient based on the prescription of an optometrist or medical physician.

Source: NUCC, CMS