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Optometrists (3121)

Job titles

  • doctor of optometry (OD)
  • OD (doctor of optometry)
  • optometrist

Nature of work

Optometrists examine eyes, 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, clinics and community health centres.

Fields of interest

  • Managing, organizing, administrating
  • Providing others with care and assistance
  • Working for yourself

Main duties

  • Optometrists perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Examine patients' eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments to determine visual efficiency
  • - Prescribe treatment (excluding surgery) to conserve, improve and correct vision and other ocular disorders
  • - Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, educate and counsel patients on contact lens use and care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, working distances and safety factors
  • - Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular or other diseases or conditions.
  • * Optometrists may specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact lenses or correcting special vision problems.

Main characteristics of the occupation

These headings are provided for the following occupation(s) :

Optometrists (3121)

Employment requirements

  • * One to three years of college or university, with a concentration in mathematics and science courses
  • and
  • A four-year university program in optometry are required.
  • * Licensing by the provincial or territorial regulatory governing body is required.

Skill type

  • Health occupations

Skill level

  • Professional

Job titles - Classified elsewhere

Professional associations