NJSOP Public Resources

Optometrist, or Doctor of Optometry (OD)

An optometrist, or Doctor of Optometry (OD), is the primary health care professional for the eye. Through comprehensive eye exams, Doctors of Optometry examine, diagnose, treat, 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 and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision disorders. Additionally certain Doctors of Optometry specialize in low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases. 

Doctors of Optometry have completed undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (OD) degree. Some Doctors of Optometry complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice. They are eye health care professionals state-licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.

The New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP) is made up of statewide Doctors of Optometry, from every county in the state.

Looking for a New Jersey Doctor of Optometry? 
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Learn about Eye Health and Vision Care

Access current expert eye health and vision information from the American Optometric Association (AOA). Information categories include vision and vision correction, caring for your eyes, eye health for life, and eye and vision conditions.

 NJSOP Doctors of Optometry Giving Back to New Jersey Communities

Discover the multiple ways NJSOP Doctors of Optometry contribute to and uplift our incredible New Jersey communities through their acts of generosity and support!

The Richard J. Favreau, OD Health Foundation

The Richard J. Favreau, OD Health Foundation serves as a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, and programs that improve the health and quality of life of at-risk populations in New Jersey. This is achieved by concentrating its efforts by funding programs that increase public awareness and provide services that expand eye health and vision care access that will offer an enhanced quality of life to under served populations.

Dr. Leslie Mintz Scholarship Foundation

The Dr. Leslie Mintz Scholarship Foundation's vision is to ensure that New Jersey is building strong and supportive professional connections with future eye health and vision care leaders, so that they may improve the state's health equity and access to care needs.

For over 50 years, the Dr. Leslie Mintz Scholarship Foundation has continued to recognize ongoing exceptional talent and support future leaders in optometry. The scholarship is awarded annually to students(s) of optometry who possess academic excellence, financial need, and the desire to serve the profession of optometry in New Jersey as did Dr. Leslie Mintz.

Special Olympics New Jersey - Opening Eyes®

Historically, the NJSOP has supported and helped organize NJSOP Doctors of Optometry volunteers to work this event each year. The Special Olympics New Jersey Opening Eyes® helps improve the quality of life for Special Olympics athletes by optimizing their vision, eye health and visual skills through quality eye care. In addition to screenings for athletes, the Opening Eyes discipline works on educating athletes, parents and coaches about the importance of regular eye care. Special Olympics athletes who participate in an Opening Eyes screening may be fitted for new eyeglasses or sports goggles at no cost to the athlete. If you are interested in learning more, contact NJSOP at 609-323-4012 today!

New Jersey Scouts Vision Awareness Patch Program

The NJSOP and the Richard J. Favreau Foundation support the New Jersey Scouts Vision Awareness Patch Program that has been created to help the NJSOP Doctors of Optometry build awareness among the thousands of scouts in their own diverse communities. This program can reinforce the importance of eye exams to not just the children, but also parents, caregivers, and scout leaders. This state program complements the vision awareness patch programs found across the country.

Through this vision awareness program, the NJSOP Doctors of Optometry will volunteer their time to reach out to local scouting programs in their community, coordinate with local troops on patch activities (e.g. inviting the troop to their practice or bringing the activities to a troop meeting), and will distribute the Vision Awareness Patches to the scouts who complete the patch program. If you are interested in learning more, contact NJSOP at 609-323-4012 or Dr. Maria Richman at Dr.Richman@verizon.net today!