Learn more about Ophthalmology Specialists
An optometrist is a healthcare provider who specializes in routine and preventive eye and vision care. Optometrists diagnose vision abnormalities and prescribe eyeglasses and contacts. They detect and treat cataracts, glaucoma, and eye infections. Optometrists also screen for conditions that affect the eyes and vision, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
An optometrist typically:
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Evaluates a patient’s medical and vision history
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Educates the patient about eye and vision disease prevention and health
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Performs a comprehensive eye and vision exam and evaluates blood pressure
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Performs and interprets specialized eye tests
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Diagnoses and often treats acute and chronic eye diseases and conditions that affect vision, including eye injuries, vision problems, cataracts, and glaucoma
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Screens for conditions that increase the risk of eye and vision conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure
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Prescribes eye glasses, contacts, and certain medications
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Refers patients to an ophthalmologist for serious eye problems and most eye surgeries
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Performs laser or glaucoma surgeries in some cases
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Provides eye and vision care before and after eye surgery
An optometrist may also be known by the following names: eye doctor, vision care specialist, and Doctor of Optometry (OD).
There are 593 specialists practicing Ophthalmology in Virginia with an overall average rating of 4.2 stars. There are 93 hospitals in Virginia with affiliated Ophthalmology specialists, including Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Inova Fairfax Hospital and Reston Hospital Center.