Patient Information

One of the primary goals of the Maryland Optometric Association (MOA) is to deliver the highest standard of professional care to the citizens of Maryland. We feel that educating our consumers on vision health is an important step in achieving this goal. Learn more about vision health, read answers to frequently asked questions concerning optometry, or check out our fast facts. We also provide an online directory of MOA optometrists throughout Maryland.

• Primary Eye Care Providers
  
  Optometrists conduct more 70 percent of primary eye examinations. The scope of practice for the profession of optometry has progressed beyond the point of simply examining the eyes to prescribe glasses or contact lenses. Optometry is now the main provider of primary eye/vision care services in America. Their work has expanded into areas such as occupational vision, elder vision, vision related learning disabilities, sports vision, low vision services, and dry eye conditions. They also diagnose systematic problems such as diabetes and hypertension.
  
  
• Community Roots
  
  In many regions of the state, especially rural ones, the local optometrist is the most accessible health care professional. He or she is expected to answer medical questions on a variety of topics. There is an optometrist in almost every community in Maryland and and appointment is usually within a few days. It may take weeks to be seen by an ophthalmologist and their offices are located mainly in urban areas. In recent years, the cost of optometric care has risen at a rate significantly lower than the increases recorded for other areas of health care and the overall cost of living.
  
  
• Optometric Education
  
  Optometrists complete an eight-year course of study prior to practicing. They have a four year undergraduate degree and then are required to complete four-year postgraduate degree programs at one of the 19 accredited schools in the US and Canada. The curriculum includes both classroom and clinical training in areas such as optics, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, general and ocular anatomy, biochemistry, and public health. Many students complete a residency as well. An OD must then pass the National and State Board Examinations to become a fully licensed practitioner. In order to maintain a license they must complete at least 50 continuing education credits every two years. These requirements are comparable to those completed by dentists, nurse practitioners and podiatrists.
  
  
• General Assembly
  
  Like dentistry, chiropractic and podiatry, optometry is a profession regulated by legislation. In order to expand or change the profession's scope of practice, optometrists need permission from the Maryland General Assembly. Currently, Maryland's Optometry Statute is ranked as the second to last state in the country in its scope of practice laws. This includes restrictions on prescriptive authority, simple office procedures and the ability to qualify for many managed care plans.

720 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 TEL: (410) 727-7800• FAX: (410) 752-8295 EMAIL: MOA@assnhqtrs.com