Professional functions of Optometrists

- examining the eyes of patients of all ages to detect signs of injury, disease, abnormality and vision defects;

- communicating with patients to get detailed case histories;
- using specialist equipment for diagnosis and testing;
- issuing prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses;
- fitting and checking prescribed lenses in order to correct vision defects;
- offering advice and reassurance about vision-related matters;
- offering help and advice for patients choosing frames and lenses;
- writing referral notices to doctors;
- meeting sales targets with regard to selling glasses and contact lenses;
- undertaking continuing education and training (CET);
- managing staff, including dispensing opticians and clerical staff;
- supervising and training junior staff;
- managing the retail aspects of glasses, contact lenses and other vision care products;
- administering, organising and planning the development of the practice;
- liaising with sales representatives from vision care product suppliers.