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When you talk about eyes, you must have heard about a stream called optometry, and the expert specializing in it is called an optometrist. They are self-sufficient exceptional healthcare professionals trained to identify, diagnose, and treat illnesses and abnormalities of the eyes and the visual system. Except for eye surgery, they can perform all tasks that ophthalmologists do. They work in hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, and also on research initiatives; nevertheless, clinical practice, hospitals, and public health centers are where they contribute the most.
What Do Optometrists Do In Clinics?
Specialists in optometry work with people with vision problems to find remedies. Patients first have general eye exams, during which they gather information about the patient's medical history and ocular issues. The eyes are then evaluated for refractive problems, and a visual acuity test is performed to assess the eyesight. To achieve the adequate vision, glasses or contact lenses with the estimated refractive status of the eyes are prescribed if necessary.
In case of hospitals, they have a wide range of responsibilities. They conduct duties that are similar to those performed in clinics and a variety of other tasks. They treat a fraction of the patients at eye hospitals as outpatients.
Job Roles And Responsibilities
Detection of eye disease: They use an ophthalmoscope to identify disorders of the eyes, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, and diseases that affect ocular functioning, such as diabetes and hypertension. If the anomalies in the detection remain, the patient will be exposed to further specific testing, such as estimation of ocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
Prescription of medications for diseases: Licensed to administer topical antibiotics, they may prescribe antihistamines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and certain scheduled analgesics for the management of ocular problems and the treatment of glaucoma if required.
Professionals who work with contact lenses: Special contact lenses, such as toric and varifocal lenses, are prescribed by optometrists who specialise in managing contact lenses for patients with atypical corneal shapes.
Outpatient primary eye care: An optometrist checks the sharpness of the patient's vision, prescribes corrective lenses, and operates the equipment required to assess the patient's eyes.
Low vision care: They often deal with patients with irreversible vision loss and administer low vision care medicines to help them recover. They also teach the patient how to do regular visual exercises to enhance their eyesight.
Binocular vision treatment: They customize vision therapy for patients with binocular abnormalities, which students and athletes need in their profession.
Patients' counseling and reviews: They educate cataract patients who are undergoing pre- or post-surgical procedures, as well as regarding the proper use of contact lenses. The patient's previous medical records are checked to determine their visual state.
Collaboration with other medical experts: The pediatric ophthalmologist can effectively treat amblyopia in children after an optometrist thoroughly examines their eye functioning. The integrated eye care paradigm allows these two specialists to collaborate and improve patient care.
Should You Visit An Optometrist?
If you're in good health and aged between 18 and 60, you'll only need to see an optometrist every two years. Doctors suggest that you see your expert once a year after you reach the age of 61. Some individuals who have "at-risk" health concerns, such as a family history of eye illness, diabetes, or high blood pressure, have the need for more regular eye examinations.
Final Words
If you're having any of the vision difficulties or health conditions mentioned above, you should see your optometrist right away at regular intervals of time. This way, you can ensure the safety of your precious body organ without putting at any kind of risk.