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What do Optometrists do?

  • Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eyes.
  • “Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye” (American Optometric Association [AOA]). They should not be confused with ophthalmologists or dispensing opticians.
  • Ophthalmologists are physicians who diagnose and treat eye conditions and perform eye surgery. Dispensing opticians fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists.

Tips for a Career in Optometry

  • Explore the field of optometry; be sure you know the positive and negative aspects of being an optometrist and the future of the optometry profession.
  • Keep your grades as high as possible. An upward trend in grade performance will be noted, especially when you are trying to overcome a less than spectacular year.
  • Pursue an academic interest in depth, e.g. scientific research. 
  • Make the most of your experience at Berkeley.
  • Get involved with the Foresight Pre-Optometry club.
  • Lastly, be sure to talk to as many people as possible about the optometry profession (optometrists, optometry students, and optometry school representatives) and keep current on optometry issues.