NZAO - Optometrist Information

What is an Optometrist?

An Optometrist is a specialist in vision care who is trained to detect, measure and correct vision problems.

Optometrists are highly trained in eye physiology, function and disease.

The optometrist's job is to solve a patient's visual problems and detect the presence of any eye disease.

Optometrists are trained to detect signs of disease and diagnose eye conditions. They refer patients for medical attention as required.

Optometrists will supply the spectacles and contact lenses they prescribe and will help the patient choose a suitable spectacle frame.

In their work, optometrists use a variety of highly accurate equipment plus a series of detailed tests to assess each patient's vision.

Optometrists work in close contact with all sections of the community and must be able to exercise their judgement correctly to relate each set of test results to their patient's lifestyle, ensuring the best possible solution to each individual problem.

Optometrists of the NZAO are subject to an independent committee that considers public complaints. Please address your situation in writing to the committee at: Complaints Committee, NZAO, P O Box 1978, Wellington. The committee will reply with its deliberation after considering relevant information.