HealthInfo Canterbury
Optometrists
MÄtanga karu
Optometrists check for problems with your eyes. They also prescribe remedies for eye diseases and conditions.
Optometrists are part of a group of eye care practitioners. This group also includes dispensing opticians and ophthalmologists.
Dispensing opticians sell and fit glasses and contact lenses. But they cannot perform eye health examinations. They also cannot prescribe glasses or other optical appliances.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialise in managing serious eye conditions. They also perform eye surgery.
What optometrists do
Optometrists can help you by:
- conducting eye exams
- diagnosing eye diseases and conditions
- prescribing glasses or other optical appliances for defects in sight.
If you have poor vision, you should see an optometrist. But even if your vision is not poor, you should regularly have an optometrist examine your eyes. This is to check for diseases or defects that may not have any symptoms. These include glaucoma and diabetes eye disease.
Finding an optometrist
Optometrists mostly work in private practices. A small number are employed in hospital eye departments and private ophthalmology clinics.
You can find optometrists online through:
Optometrist qualifications
An optometrist must:
- have a Bachelor of Optometry degree or an overseas equivalent
- be registered with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board
- hold a current practising certificate
- undergo continuing professional training each year.
Most optometrists also have a Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA) endorsement. This allows them to prescribe medications for eye problems. A small number are also able to manage and prescribe for glaucoma patients.
Optometrist costs
Public funding is available for tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) under 16 years old whose families have a Community Services Card.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2023.
SourcesReview key: HIOPT-268219
