Which professional is primarily responsible for performing eye exams and prescribing corrective lenses?

The professional primarily responsible for performing eye exams and prescribing corrective lenses is the optometrist. Optometrists hold a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and are trained to examine, diagnose, and treat various visual disorders and conditions. They conduct comprehensive eye exams, assess the refractive error, and prescribe corrective lenses such as glasses and contact lenses. Additionally, optometrists can prescribe medications for certain eye conditions and provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgery, although they do not perform surgery themselves.

In contrast, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care, including performing surgeries and treating eye diseases, but they typically do not focus on prescribing corrective lenses as their primary function. Opticians, on the other hand, are technicians who fit eyeglasses and contact lenses based on the prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists; they do not perform eye exams or prescribe lenses. Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who can provide a variety of health care services, but they do not specialize in eye care in the same way that optometrists do.