A professional who diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries of eyes. Responsibilities include:

• Examines patient for symptoms indicative of organic or congenital ocular disorders, and determines nature and extent of injury or disorder.
• Performs various tests to determine vision loss.
• Prescribes and administers medications, and performs surgery, if indicated.
• Directs remedial activities to aid in regaining vision, or to utilize sight remaining, by writing prescriptions for corrective glasses, and instructing patient in eye exercises.