Which type of ocular surface disease can ODs treat?

Optometrists are specifically trained to diagnose and manage nonmalignant ocular surface diseases. These conditions include common issues such as dry eye syndrome, allergies, and conjunctivitis, which can be effectively treated with appropriate therapies, including medications, lifestyle changes, and other non-invasive interventions.

In California, the scope of practice for optometrists includes the ability to provide care for nonmalignant conditions affecting the ocular surface, allowing them to improve patient comfort and visual outcomes through management strategies.

Conversely, malignant ocular surface diseases, such as ocular cancers, typically require the expertise of ophthalmologists or oncologists for surgical intervention or specialized treatments. Severe corneal damage may involve complex cases that need advanced therapeutic measures beyond the everyday scope of practice for optometrists. Therefore, the focus remains on understanding how nonmalignant conditions align with the regulatory framework that governs optometric practice.