Optometrist

An optometrist is an eye doctor who has earned the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Optometrists examine eyes for both vision and health problems, and correct refractive errors (blurry vision, possibly caused by nearsightedness, farsightedness, etc.) by prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Optometrists in the US also are licensed to prescribe medications to treat certain eye problems and diseases. Optometrists may also participate in pre- and post-operative care after eye surgery performed by an ophthalmologist. With a few exceptions, optometrists in the US are not trained or licensed to perform eye surgery.

An optometrist can provide the educational team with information about your child’s vision status that can help inform classroom set up or needed accommodations. The educational team can provide information to the optometrist about how your child is using their vision in the educational setting that informs the need for potential additional tools or assessments by the optometrist. Your permission is required for the medical and educational professionals to share information. Make sure you fill out the appropriate release of information paperwork if you would like those professionals to share information.