Academy News: Optometry 8/5/25
Collaborative Strategies to Address the Myopia Epidemic
by Heidi Wagner, OD, MPH, FAAO, FNAP
Cleveland Clinic
As defined by the American Optometric Association, Doctors of Optometry (e.g., ODs, optometrists) are primary eye care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.1 Their clinical expertise extends beyond vision correction and refractive error management; they also diagnose and treat ocular diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. In addition, optometrists play a critical role in the early detection of systemic health conditions—including diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disease—by identifying ocular manifestations observable during routine eye examinations. Early identification of these signs supports timely referral and coordination with other healthcare professionals, ultimately improving patient outcomes and contributing to public health.