Welcome to our website!
Here you will find a list of society members who strive to provide quality eye care in the Philadelphia region.
PCOS is the local chapter of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association. Our goal is to provide education and resources to our doctors, that allow them to provide the best patient care possible!
Browse our latest events!
Optometry: The Primary Eye Care Profession
Doctors of optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. The mission of the profession of optometry is to fulfill the vision and eye care needs of the public though clinical care, research, and education, all of which enhance the quality of life for our patients. Optometrists provide more than two-thirds of the primary eye care services in the United States. They are more widely distributed geographically than other eye care providers and are readily accessible for the delivery of eye and vision care services.
There are approximately 34,000 doctors of optometry currently in practice in the United States. Optometrists have extensive training, having completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to a doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete a one-year clinically based residency on graduation. Many optometrists have additional expertise in areas such as low vision rehabilitation, sports vision needs, vision therapy, and occupational vision. Optometrists and their staff can provide eye care to the entire family.
Make eye exams a part of your health care routine. For children, exams should take place at six months of age, three years of age, before entering school and every two years thereafter. Adults ages 18-40 should have an exam at least every two years, every two years between ages 41-60 and annually after age 60. Protect your eyes from Ultraviolet (UV) rays year round. Don’t pack your sunglasses away with your swimsuit. Eat eye-friendly foods rich in antioxidants (kale, spinach, broccoli, corn, peas & tangerines). Quit smoking. Smoking contributes to the onset of cataracts, macular degeneration and dry eyes.