Is an Optometrist a Doctor?

Many people often suffer from eyes plights such as weak eyesight, infection, allergy, etc. To cure such ailments people visit an optician, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Opticians are technicians who design, verify and fit eyeglass lenses, frames and contact lenses.

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care such as sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. Some people think that optometrists are doctors that cure eyes diseases but it is not so.  An optometrist is not a medical doctor as he is not licensed to perform surgeries and operations. In fact, an ophthalmologist is a professional who is a medical doctor and diagnosis and treats all eye diseases with surgery and operation also.

Optometrist performs eye exams and vision tests, prescribes and fit eye glasses and contact lenses, provides low vision aids and therapy. To become an optometrist, a student has to complete four year undergraduate course and then training and practice as well. For getting admission in Optometry course, student must have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50% in Science stream from a recognized university.  The average annual salary of an optometrist ranges from 4 Lac to 15 Lac.

Thus, it is not false to say that an optometrist is not a medical doctor like an ophthalmologist but has a good reputation and income in the society.

BSc Optometry

Diploma in Optometry

DMLT

Diploma in XRAY