WHAT IS OPTOMETRY?

WHAT IS OPTOMETRY?

A profession which began in the early 20th century, optometry is a health care discipline which has grown significantly with advanced educational programs and the adoption of new state laws for the use of diagnostic and therapeutic drugs in optometric care.The mission of the profession of the optometry is to fulfill the vision and eye care needs of the public through clinical care, research, and education, all of which enhance the quality of life.                                                                                                

Optometrists or Doctors of Optometry are the eye care professionals who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. They prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures. An optometrist completes undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice.                                                                                                                                     

  Though Optometrists are trained in all aspects of ocular and visual conditions and most practice Primary care optometry, there are those who choose to emphasize or specialize in:

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  • Pediatrics
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Contact Lenses
  • Ocular Disease
  • Vision Therapy
  • Geriatrics
  • Occupational Vision
  • Low Vision
  • Sports Vision
  • Rehabilitative Vision

Optometrists also test for glaucoma and other eye diseases and diagnose conditions caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring patients to other health practitioners as needed. They prescribe medication to treat vision problems or eye diseases, and some provide preoperative and postoperative care to cataract patients, as well as to patients who have had corrective laser surgery. Like other physicians, optometrists encourage preventative measures by promoting nutrition and hygiene education to their patients to minimize the risk of eye disease.

This is a very much briefed introduction of Optometry; While Optometry is a vast field. Further details can be easily accessed at Google.com

Best of luck for a better future!!

Students of Optometry at Pakistan institute of ophthalmology

University of Health Sciences, Lahore.