31111 – Optometrists
31111 – Optometrists
Optometrists examine eyes to assess and diagnose ocular diseases and disorders. They prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders. They work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, the optical industry, government, and universities .
Profile
Index of titles
Doctor of optometry (OD)
Optometrist
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Examine patients' eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments to determine ocular health and visual efficiency
Prescribe and provide treatment (excluding surgery) to maintain, improve and correct vision and manage other ocular diseases and disorders
Prescribe, dispense and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses and other visual aids
Educate, counsel and advise patients on contact lens use and care, ocular hygiene, surgical and non-surgical options, and preventive care and maintenance related to occupation and lifestyle
Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular diseases or conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Collaborate with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgeries such as laser vision correction
May prescribe from a limited list of medications
Conduct research and promote advancement in the visual sciences.
Employment requirements
Three years of university undergraduate studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program in sciences and a four- to five-year university program in optometry are required.
Licensing by the provincial or territorial regulatory governing body is required.
Additional information
Optometrists may specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact lenses or correcting special vision problems.
Exclusions
Ocularist (in 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians)
Ophthalmologist (in 31101 Specialists in surgery )
Opticians (32100)
Orthoptist (in 31303 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals )
Optometric technician; optometrist assistant (in 33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services)
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