Optometrist Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of an Optometrist includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Examining the eyes of patients of all ages to detect signs of injury, disease, abnormality or vision defects;
  • Using specialist equipment for diagnosis and testing;
  • Issuing prescriptions for spectacles or contact lenses;
  • Liaising with other medical practitioners and sometimes sharing the care of patients with chronic ophthalmic conditions;
  • Fitting and checking prescribed lenses in order to correct vision defects;
  • Help and advice for patients choosing frames and lenses;
  • Writing referral communications to doctors;
  • Administering, organising and planning the development of the practice;
  • Liaising with sales representatives from vision care product suppliers;
  • Owning or managing a practice.
  • Communicating with patients to get detailed case histories;
  • Meeting sales targets with regard to selling spectacles or contact lenses;
  • Undertaking continuing education and training (CET).
  • Offering advice and reassurance about vision-related matters;
  • Managing staff, including dispensing opticians and clerical staff;
  • Supervising and training junior staff;
  • Managing the retail aspects of spectacles, contact lenses and other vision care products;
  • Checking for signs and symptoms of general health conditions (e.g. diabetes);

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Optometrist duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Optometrist roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.