We all know that the doctors in the health care sector help patients by detecting the problems and disease and then effectively doing the treatment. Optometry is one such profession that involves examining the eyes and looking for defects or abnormalities, and prescribing the correction of refractive error with glasses or contact lenses. It is focused on visual health and eye care. A doctor who has pursued Optometry is known as an Optometrist. You can also pursue the course of optometry under the guidance of a reliable doctor.
In this article, we will discuss the field of optometry in detail.
Who is an Optometrist?
An eye doctor who has earned the OD degree is said to be an Optometrist. To become Optometrists, one must have completed a 4-year bachelor degree program, preferably in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or physiology. After that, they can pursue their masters in:
- Master of Optometry (M. Opto)
- Master of Science (M.Sc)
- M.A/ M.Sc. (5-year Integrated) Courses.
Usually, an optometrist has a college degree of 4 years in science along with postgraduate training in optometry school. Some optometrists either go for additional clinical training or pursue Fellowship in optometry after completing their school.
What work does an Optometrist do?
The optometrists examine a patient’s eyes to check the vision. Other tasks include:
- Perform detailed eye exams and vision tests and interpret results
- Diagnose and treat vision issues and diseases such as nearsightedness or cataracts
- Prescribe corrective lenses and help patients purchase glasses and contact lenses
- Take note of non-ocular symptoms in patients and refer them to general care doctors when necessary
Types of Optometry
Over time, the optometry field has expanded and grown to include specialization or a focus in a particular aspect of care. An optometrist may focus on:
- Neuro-optometry
Neuro-optometry includes services like :
- Ocular health examinations
- Therapy Options
- Visual processing evaluations
- Physical, Speech, and occupational therapist
- Comprehensive evaluations of accommodative, visual field, sensory-motor, and oculomotor function
- Paediatrics
An optometrist pediatric is a specialized eye doctor for juvenile patients. He/she usually diagnoses and treats vision problems like cataracts, amblyopia or lazy eye, nearsightedness, astigmatism, farsightedness, etc.
- Ocular disease
An optometrist also works to cure ocular disease such as Cataract, Refractive errors, Strabismus, Amblyopia, etc.
How should you choose an Eye Doctor?
It is very well known that our eyes are the most sensitive part of the body. Hence we should choose an eye doctor very wisely. You must consult a doctor considering your needs. A correct eye doctor for you should be trustable and must have good experience with patients. It is better to go to a doctor who your family or friends have suggested due to their positive experience.
You can visit an Optometrist for primary eye care. And if you have severe issues, an optometrist may even suggest you visit an Ophthalmologist. He may further suggest you get eye surgery done for the problems like glaucoma, cataracts, or another eye disease.
