Optometrists are health professionals who diagnose and treat many vision problems and diseases of the eye. An optometrist is not a medical doctor, but rather a doctor of optometry (OD).

Optometrists can perform routine vision testing, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, detect vision problems and eye disease, prescribe medicines to treat some diseases of the eye, and provide care before and after eye surgery.

Optometrists must complete 4 years of school at an accredited university optometry program and take the national Canadian Standards Assessment in Optometry (CSAO) exam. They are licensed by the province or territory in which they practice.