Optometrists examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems, such as nearsigntedness and farsightedness, and they test patient's depth and colour perception and ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometrists may prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, or they may provide other surgical or non-surgical treatments. An optometrist is not a medical doctor.

 

Opthamologists are medical doctors who specialize in medical exams or surgical procedures. An opthamologist can treat eye diseases and perform surgery in addition to diagnosing vision problems and prescribing corrective lenses.

 

Optometrists - What do Optometrists do? (n.d.). Retrieved March 1, 2016, from https://www.studentscholarships.org/salary/477/optometrists.php

 

American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. (n.d.). Retrieved March 02, 2016, from http://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/132