Optometric Care
Our doctors of optometry have received the education and training to examine, diagnose, treat and manage eye diseases and examine and fit patients for contact lenses and glasses. They are able to practice in an environment that gives them access to state-of-the-art technology to better diagnose and manage our patients' ocular health. Our optometrists work alongside some of the top ophthalmologists in the country to provide our patients with the best care possible. With Northwestern Medicine's expanding area of patient care access, we are able to offer our optometry care in some of our northern locations of Grayslake, Lake Forest and Glenview. These expansions have allowed Northwestern to continue to provide excellent care and access to our current patients as well as introducing new patients to the advantages of Northwestern Medicine.
Education
Doctors of optometry complete an undergraduate degree at a college or university prior to completing a four-year program at one of the 23 optometry schools in the United States. Upon graduating from optometry school, a doctor of optometry must pass the National Board Exam prior to applying for their license to practice. Doctors of optometry are also given opportunities to further their experience and skills in selected areas of eye care through a residency program.
Research
Our optometrists have a unique opportunity at Northwestern Medicine to help with cutting-edge research. We currently contribute to the research needs of our ophthalmology specialists (e.g., glaucoma, retina). In addition, we work on a number of collaborative studies with other medical departments at Northwestern to provide the necessary ocular health exams needed for patients to continue in their research program (e.g., endocrinology, neuro-oncology).