An optometrist is a
health service provider who is involved exclusively with vision problems. Optometrists are specifically educated and trained by an accredited
optometry college in a four year course, but have not attended
medical school. They are
state licensed to examine the eyes and to determine the presence of vision problems.
Optometrists determine visual acuity and prescribe spectacles, contact lenses and eye exercises. Optometrists can do everything an optician can do and more. Some states permit optometrists to give limited treatments of some eye conditions, like medication for Glaucoma, but some critics say an Ophthalmologist is much more qualified to prescribe.