What is OD in Medicine?
In medicine, "OD" has two primary meanings:
OD, or o.d., is an abbreviation commonly used in medical prescriptions to indicate the frequency of medication administration. It stands for omne in die, Latin for "once daily." This means the prescribed medication should be taken once every 24 hours. Many sources confirm this meaning: What are OD, BD, and SOS in medical terms? - Doctor's Room ⛑️, What is the meaning of OD, TDS, and BD in a doctor's prescription ..., OD - Wikipedia, Meaning of OD, TDS, and BD in a Doctor's Prescription.
Example: A prescription might read "Take one tablet OD," meaning the patient should take one tablet once a day.
2. OD as Doctor of Optometry
OD also stands for Doctor of Optometry. Optometrists (ODs) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye and vision care. Their services include:
- Eye examinations
- Contact lens fitting (including specialized contacts)
- Prescription glasses
- Low vision services
Optometrists are distinct from ophthalmologists (MDs or DOs) who are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery and complex eye diseases. What's The Difference Between MD, DO, and OD? | Traverse City Eye, MD vs. OD. vs. Optician - What's the difference? | Minnesota Eye ..., The Three Types Of Eye Doctors | AUC School of Medicine, Do You Need an Ophthalmologist or an Optometrist? | Eye Care ....
Example: A patient might see an OD for a routine eye exam and glasses prescription.
Therefore, the meaning of "OD" in a medical context depends on the situation. Within a prescription, it refers to dosage frequency. Outside of a prescription, it likely refers to a Doctor of Optometry.
