HealthInfo Canterbury
Optometrists
MÄtanga karu
Optometrists check for problems with your eyes and prescribe remedies for eye diseases and conditions. If you're an adult, it's recommended that you regularly have a full eye examination by an optometrist.
Optometrists are part of a group of eye care practitioners that also include dispensing opticians and ophthalmologists.
Optometrists conduct eye exams, diagnose eye disease or other conditions, and prescribe glasses or other optical aids for eyesight problems. Dispensing opticians sell and fit glasses but can't perform eye health examinations or prescribe. Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialise in managing serious eye conditions and performing eye surgery.
Finding an optometrist
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.
The majority also have an additional Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA) endorsement allowing them to prescribe medications for eye problems. A small number are also able to manage and prescribe for glaucoma patients.
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 isn't poor, it's a good idea to have an optometrist perform an eye exam to check for diseases or defects that may not have any symptoms, such as glaucoma or diabetes eye disease.
Optometrists mostly work in private practices. A small number are employed in hospital eye departments and private ophthalmology clinics.
Optometrist costs
Public funding is available if you:
- are aged under 16 and have a Community Services Card
- need contact lenses and are either extremely short-sighted or long-sighted, or you have keratoconus.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2023.
SourcesReview key: HIOPT-268219
