Optometric physicians provide the full range of primary eye health care services, which include virtually all eye care a person will ordinarily require.
- Examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose and/or coordinate care for:
- Eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders
- Diseases affecting multiple bodily systems such as diabetes and hypertension
- Vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia
- Test the visual system to determine a patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately.
- Prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases.
- Refer patients to other health care specialists, including surgical eye sub-specialists.
- Provide pre- and post-operative eye care services for procedures ranging from cataract surgery to laser vision correction surgery.
- Offer specialty services such as hard-to-fit contact lenses, low vision care, sports vision, pediatric care, older adult eye care, vision therapy and occupational vision (including eye care for computer users).
Medicare covers the eye health part of an optometric examination (when the patient has a symptom or complaint that necessitated the visit) and treatment for eye disease prescribed by an optometric physician.
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