Categories

Content Type

Sources

Vision quest; Optometrists help patients focus in on improved living

By Tribune Media Services, Source: Tribune Media Services

If you’re reading this with the aid of correctional lenses, you have an optometrist to thank.

“I’m not saying people take their eyes for granted, but I’m not sure how often the average person stops to think about what his life would be like without sight,” says James Lundgren, a former high school driver’s education teacher. “I used to see kids who’d struggle behind the wheel because no one ever bothered to get them a pair of glasses, so I know how big of a difference it can make.”

Lundgren, a resident of Collegeville, Pa., says he’s been wearing glasses for as long as he can remember.

“I know I got them as a kid,” he says. “It’s just something I’ve always had — and I’ve always had a great eye doc to take care of them.”

Those ‘eye docs’ that Lundgren refers to are also known as optometrists, as well as doctors of optometry, or ODs. They provide most primary vision care by examining people’s eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases. They also test patients’ visual acuity, depth and color perception, and ability to focus and coordinate the eyes.

To treat any problems, optometrists prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “optometrists analyze test results and develop a treatment plan. They administer drugs to patients to aid in the diagnosis of vision problems and prescribe drugs to treat some eye diseases. Optometrists often provide preoperative and postoperative care to cataract patients, as well as patients who have had laser vision correction or other eye surgery. They also diagnose conditions due to systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring patients to other health practitioners as needed.”

Optometrist vs. ophthalmologist

Most people may not be able to discern the duties of an optometrist between those of an ophthalmologist, but there is one obvious difference: Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery, and diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries. In addition, they also examine eyes and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “as baby boomers age, they will be more likely to visit optometrists and ophthalmologists because of the onset of vision problems in middle age, including those resulting from the extensive use of computers. The demand for optometric services also will increase because of growth in the oldest age group, with its increased likelihood of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and hypertension. Greater recognition of the importance of vision care, rising personal incomes, and growth in employee vision care plans will spur employment growth, as well.”

Unlike most specialty doctors, most optometrists are in general practice. However, some specialize in work with the elderly, children or partially-sighted persons who need specialized visual devices. Other optometrists work to develop ways to protect employees’ eyes from on-the-job strain or injury. Others specialize in contact lenses, sports vision or vision therapy.

Optometrists usually handle the business aspects of running an office, developing a patient base, hiring employees and keeping records. Some operate franchise optical stores.

A Doctor of Optometry degree requires the completion of a four-year program at an accredited optometry school, preceded by at least three years of pre-optometric study at an accredited college or university. Most optometry students hold a bachelor’s or higher degree. Licensed optometrists must pass a written and a clinical board examination.

© 2009, Tribune Media Services