Optometry is comprehensive, professional eye care performed by an optometric physician, or optometrist. The optometric physician is the "family eye doctor," as more than 70% of primary eye examinations are conducted by optometric physicians, who work closely with surgical and non-surgical sub-specialists to deliver complete eye care to patients of all ages.

Optometric physicians are primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions.

Optometric physicians provide a full-range of primary eye health care service:

• Examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose and/or coordinate care for eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; diseases affecting multiple bodily systems such as diabetes and hypertension; vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia
• Test the visual system to determine a patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, judge depth and see colors accurately
• Prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases
• Refer patients to other health care specialists, including surgical eye sub-specialists
• Provide pre- and post-operative eye care services for procedures ranging from cataract surgery to laser vision correction surgery
• Offer specialty services such as hard-to-fit contact lenses, low vision care, sports vision, pediatric care, older adult eye care, vision therapy and occupational vision (including eye care for computer users)

Medicare covers the eye health part of an optometric examination (when the patient has a symptom or complaint that necessitated the visit) and treatment for eye disease prescribed by an optometric physician.