Posted on: Mon 12-05-2025

DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY (O.D.) DEGREE

EYE DOCTORS / PHYSICIANS 

Optometrists in Nigeria use the title "Doctor" because they earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree after completing a six-year university program that includes academic, clinical, research, and practical training. This professional degree is awarded by accredited Nigerian universities and it reflects the depth and rigor of their education. The program is recognized by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), the Federal Government Regulatory Agency responsible for licensing optometrists in the country, Established by Decree 34 of 1989, which is now cited as Cap. O9 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004. This law allows Optometrists to use the title "Doctor".

The title “Doctor” is used to signify the optometrist’s status as a primary health care provider trained to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system. Nigerian optometrists are licensed to prescribe corrective lenses, provide vision therapy, treat and manage eye diseases, prescribe medications, manage preoperative and post operative surgical patients, and in many cases, detect systemic health conditions through comprehensive eye examination.

 

Additionally, the title aligns with international standards, particularly in countries like the USA, Canada and Philippines where optometrists with OD degrees are addressed as doctors and are license to perform ocular surgery. Using the title "Doctor" helps promote professional recognition and encourages public trust. It also supports interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare settings, where optometrists work alongside physicians and other health professionals.

In conclusion, Nigerian optometrists use the title "Doctor" based on their academic qualifications, legal recognition, and clinical responsibilities, ensuring both professional credibility and alignment with global practice norms...

Optometrists in the USA use the title "Doctor" because they earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree after completing a rigorous post-graduate program. This title is legally and professionally recognized across all states in USA. The OD degree requires four years of specialized education following at least four years of undergraduate study (B.Sc.) and includes in-depth training in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, clinical optics, visual science, and clinical practice. This qualifies optometrists to diagnose and manage a wide range of eye conditions, prescribe medications, perform minor surgery and provide vision therapy and corrective lenses.

The use of the title "Doctor" aligns with standard practice in healthcare professions where doctoral-level education is the norm, such as dentists (DDS). State licensing boards and federal agencies such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also recognize optometrists as physicians for certain billing and clinical purposes.

Furthermore, the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Board of Optometry (ABO) supports the use of the "Doctor" title to reflect their clinical training and professional role in the healthcare system. In clinical settings, the title helps establish credibility and trust with patients who often seek optometrists for primary eye care services...

DOCTORS OF OPTOMETRY WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO. 

Specialist Eye Doctor/Physician (Optometrists)

• Doctors of Optometry We are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye.
• Doctors of optometry are primary eye healthcare providers, are the front-line of eye and vision care.  
• Doctors of optometry are essential healthcare providers and are recognized as physicians under Medicare.  
• They examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye.  
• In addition to providing eye and vision care, they play a major role in an individual’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases, and diagnosing, treating and managing ocular manifestations of those systemic diseases, and providing vaccinations.
• Doctors of Optometry Diagnosis and treat Brain Pathology such as Traumatic Brain Injuries with its Ocular Manifestation (Neuro Optometry Rehabilitation).
• Doctors of Optometry examine, diagnose, treat, prescribe medication, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.  
• Doctors of Optometry prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, perform minor surgery, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures.
• Doctors of Optometry Treat blind eyes that has undergo different surgeries. (Low Vision Rehabilitation).
• Doctors of Optometry manage preoperative and postoperative patients (surgical service).
• Doctors of Optometry counsel their patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyle.
• Doctors of Optometry Perform Medical tests (Ocular Microbiology) and ocular radiography scan.

Some Doctors of Optometry complete Residency in a specific area of Specialty and Fellowship in Sub Specialty which Qualifies them as Medical Specialist in their Respective Specialty, Medical Consultant in their Respective Sub Specialty and Academic Professors Flowing the successful completion of M.Sc. and Ph.D. Post Graduate Degree in Optometry Respectively. (AOA)...

Signed

Dr. Chukwunyere M. C.,  Dip., O.D. 

 

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