Today's optometrist is a vital member of a comprehensive health care team. The optometrist delivers full scope eye care in a variety of practice settings. These range from solo, associate and group modes, as well as interdisciplinary environments such as hospitals and health maintenance organizations. Other opportunities include a career in academics, research or health care administration. All 50 states now authorize optometrists to utilize pharmaceutical agents in the diagnosis of ocular disorders and diseases and authorize optometrists to medically treat eye diseases. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require that licensed optometrists regularly attend continuing education programs for license renewal.

As a primary care provider, optometrists offer patients a wide range of services, including diagnosis and management of anomalies of visual functions, diagnosis and participation in the management of various ocular and systemic disease and the provision of general health screening, education and counseling. Optometric care provides for the maintenance and enhancement of visual efficiency and ocular health which are so important to people of all ages. The profession offers a humanistic, intellectually stimulating and financially secure position as a valued member of the community. Optometry will help you fulfill your desire to help others.

The American Optometric Association's definition of an optometrist states, "doctors of optometry are independent, primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions".