Credentials
Is an optometrist a medical doctor?
No. An optometrist is **not** a medical doctor. Optometrists earn a Doctor of Optometry (**OD**) degree, while an ophthalmologist is the eye physician, an **MD** or **DO** who finished medical school and a hospital residency.[1][3]
OD is a doctoral degree, not a medical license
The title **Dr.** reflects the degree, not a license to practice medicine. A doctoral degree and a medical license are different things, and scope of practice comes from the state board that issues the license, not from the credential itself.[3]
What optometrists can do
Optometrists are licensed in every state to examine eyes, prescribe corrective lenses, and prescribe at least some therapeutic eye medications.[1][2] Their training is centered on eye and vision care, not medical school or physician residency.[1][3]
Where state law changes the answer
Surgery is where state lines matter. As of 2024, 12 states allow optometrists to perform specific laser procedures, with Oklahoma the broadest example under title 59, section 581 of its statutes, Mississippi’s 2021 law limited to YAG capsulotomy, and South Dakota becoming the twelfth laser state in March 2024.[1][2] California is on the other side of that line, because the governor vetoed optometric laser authority in 2022, so an optometrist there performs no laser procedures.[1]
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Related
FAQ
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?+
An optometrist holds an OD and focuses on exams, corrective lenses, and some medication prescribing.
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An optometrist holds an OD and focuses on exams, corrective lenses, and some medication prescribing. An ophthalmologist is the eye physician, an MD or DO who completed medical school and a hospital residency.[1][3]
Can optometrists prescribe eye medication?+
Yes.
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Yes. Optometrists are licensed in every state to prescribe at least some therapeutic eye medications, though the exact scope is set by the state board that issues the license.[1][3]
Can optometrists do laser procedures?+
In 2024, 12 states permitted specific optometric laser procedures.
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In 2024, 12 states permitted specific optometric laser procedures. Oklahoma has the broadest statutory authority under title 59, section 581, Mississippi’s 2021 law covered only YAG capsulotomy, South Dakota became the twelfth laser state in March 2024, and California does not allow optometric laser procedures.[1][2]