Optometrists provide comprehensive primary medical eye and vision care.  The optometrist is the "family eye doctor," as more than 70 percent of primary care eye examinations are conducted by optometrists. As primary vision care providers, optometrists consult and coordinate  patient care with eye surgeons, pediatricians, podiatrists and other health care providers to deliver complete eye care services to patients of all ages. In fact, in 4,300 communities nationwide, optometrists are the only primary eye and vision care providers.

In addition, sub-specialties of optometry include low vision, vision therapy, neuro-rehabilitative optometry, contact lens services and co-management of refractive surgery.