Optometrists Overview

Doctors of optometry (O.D.s/optometrists) provide more than two-thirds of primary eye health care in the U.S. Optometrists are one of three types of eye care providers, alongside ophthalmologists (specialists who focus on more advanced surgical procedures) and opticians (who fit and/or fulfill corrective eye wear at the direction of either an optometrist or ophthalmologists). As health care providers, optometrists are trained to examine, diagnose, treat and manage eye disorders, diseases and injuries that manifest in the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, they may also play a key role in an individual’s general health and well-being. Optometrists can detect systemic diseases, provide vaccinations and prescribe medications.

The links to the right lead to maps showing a comparison of all states and territories for the following three policy areas:

1) authority to perform ophthalmic procedures
2) injectable authority
3) prescription of controlled substances

Choose a tab to explore different options. For more detailed information, please click on a state or territory.

Optometrists:
Injectable Authority

Mobile users can use this dropdown of states if the map is too small.

LEGEND

May administer injections, including but not limited to, the treatment of anaphylaxis
May administer injections to treat anaphylaxis only
May not administer injections
Information is not currently available

Optometrists can administer injections depending on state law. The most common injection optometrists administer are those related to the treatment of anaphylaxis. Some states allow optometrists to administer other types of injections if a patient is unresponsive to oral medications. Some states allow optometrists to administer vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

Policy areas for Optometrists

Prescription of controlled substances

Injectable Authority

Authority to perform ophthalmic procedures

Practitioner Scope of Practice

Learn More About Optometrists