A subtype of CARE PROFESSIONAL.

An OPTOMETRIST, also known as an OPHTHALMIC OPTICIAN, is a CARE PROFESSIONAL who is registered with the General Optical Council to practise in the United Kingdom.

An OPTOMETRIST examines eyes, tests sight and prescribes spectacles or contact lenses for those who need them. They also fit spectacles or contact lenses, give advice on visual problems and detect any ocular disease or abnormality, referring the PATIENT to a medical practitioner if necessary.

OPTOMETRISTS may also share the care of PATIENTS who have chronic ophthalmic conditions with a medical practitioner. Once qualified, OPTOMETRISTS can undertake further training to specialise in certain eye treatment by therapeutic drugs.

This class is also known by these names:

Context	Alias
formerly	OPHTHALMIC OPTICIAN
alsoknownas	OPHTHALMIC OPTICIAN
plural	OPTOMETRISTS