|
| . | ||
         |
||
|
||
| About
the Field of Optometry Don't know anything about the field? Here are some of the basics of the wonderful world of Optometry! |
||
| ./ | ||
| Quick
Links: - Assoc. of Schools and Colleges of Optometry: www.opted.org - Wikipedia article on Optometry: http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Doctor_of_Optometry - Wikipedia article on Opthalmology: http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Ophthalmologist - Wikipedia article on Opticianry: http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Optician |
Definition
of an Optometrist, from Wikipedia Optometrists are primary health care providers for the diagnosis, management, and non-surgical treatment of eye diseases and visual system refractive disorders. Optometrists examine and diagnose many disorders of the eyes and visual system including refractive (i.e., near or far sightedness) and disease related conditions. Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists or dispensing opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery, as well as diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries. Like optometrists, they also examine eyes and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. Dispensing opticians fit and adjust eyeglasses and, in some States, may fit contact lenses according to prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists. Optometrists may serve the general public; specialize in work with the elderly, children, or partially-sighted persons who need specialized visual devices. Some optometrists develop and implement ways to protect workers eyes from on-the-job injury; or specialize in contact lenses, sports vision, or vision therapy. There are currently nine sub-specialty residencies offered by various schools of optometry in the United States: 1. Cornea and contact lenses 2. Family practice optometry 3. Geriatric optometry 4. Glaucoma 5. Low vision rehabilitation 6. Orthoptic practice 7. Ocular disease 8. Pediatric optometry 9. Primary care optometry 10. Neuro-optometry 11. Vision therapy and rehabilitation Check out this link to the American Optometric Association website for more info on what optometrists do! Compared vs. Ophthalmologists and Opticians An opthalmlologist is different from an optometrist in that the former has an M.D. or D.O. (as opposed to an optometrist, who has an O.D.) and has done a residency for a few years to specialize in ophthalmology. An ophthalmologist in very general terms is basically an eye surgeon. An optician is a specialized technician who is certified to fill eye lens prescriptions (although some states, such as Oregon, do not require licensing). They typically either go through formal training or sometimes learn the necessary skills from on-the-job training Salary
There are hundreds of reasons why optometry is a great career choice. Many people choose it because it allows flexibility in time if you own a practice, which allows for more time to spend with family. Also, optometric education does not require residency - you are ready to practice upon graduation. Other reasons include low stress, better hours vs. physicians, not much involvement with blood and guts, and the ability to spend quality time with patients. For more on optometry as a career choice, please visit this blog post! |
|
| . |
| Terms
of Use Best viewed with Mozilla Firefox |