Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
<ul><li>Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.</li><li>Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.</li><li>Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.</li><li>Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.</li><li>Remove foreign bodies from the eye.</li><li>Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.</li><li>Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.</li><li>Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.</li><li>Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.</li><li>Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.</li></ul>