An Optometrist is an independent healthcare professional for all the problems and diseases concerning the eye. New technologies have helped to expand the scope and efficiency of eye treatment. The advancement in eye care has benefitted many patients and has also boosted optometrists’ practice.
For example, in recent years, the technology of contact lenses and treatment has expanded and seen a vast improvement. Latest technologies such as laser eye surgery have emerged to treat vision deficiency and diseases like glaucoma bringing better days for patients. An Optometrist is usually the one who consults with patients about new treatments.
The Major Assistance an Optometrist Provides is as Follows:
Examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases, injuries, and disorders of the eye, overall visual system and the structures that are associated with it.
Counseling of patients regarding non-surgical and surgical options that will meet their visual needs.
Identification of related systemic conditions that affect the eye, which include diabetes or high blood pressure.
Medications that are to be prescribed.
Performing certain surgical processes.
A requirement of vision therapy and rehabilitation of low vision.
An Assistance of patients with contact lenses and spectacles.
The day of an optometrist is filled with various types of cares, from prescribing glasses and lenses for the treatment of diseases such as retinotherapy and glaucoma along with performing minor surgical procedures and providing care for pre- or post-operation patients who have undergone ophthalmologic surgery.
A common misunderstanding prevalent in most people is the confusion between an ophthalmologist and dispensing optician. Ophthalmologists are mainly physicians who are concerned with surgery including diagnostics and treatment of eye conditions. On the other hand dispensing opticians fit eyeglasses and contact lenses after following prescriptions that are written by ophthalmologists or optometrists.
What Education Do You Need to Become an Optometrist?
To become a doctor of optometry you need to complete a minimum of three years of undergraduate study from some accredited university or college. An OD program must be attended during the duration of the course and the Optometry Admission Test must be taken. Only then can you be accepted in an accredited optometry school.
Important Qualities that Should be Present in an Optometrist:
Decision-making skills: they must evaluate the results of a variety of diagnostic tests and also make a decision on the type of treatment that will be deemed best for the patient.
Detail oriented: they must ensure that treatment and prescriptions and medications a patient receives should be accurate and appropriate. Monitoring of various pieces of information that are related to the patient is of prime importance.
Interpersonal skills: Doctor-patient interaction is a valuable addition while diagnosing a disease. Since they spend most of the time examining patients, they must be frank and easy while interacting with them. The patient should feel comfortable during the treatment.
Communicative skills: eye care instructions are vital parts of pre- and post-operative situations. The doctor must clearly state the dos and don’ts to ensure proper recovery of the patient.
What Are the Job Prospects of Optometrists?
The number of optometrists in any given region is limited because of the stringent availability of optometry schools, thus licensed optometrists can expect good jobs and salaries. Students who choose to complete a residency program can get extra incentives.
Optometry is a noble and rewarding profession simultaneously. Optometrists are good listeners and analyzers and require patience just like any other medical practitioner. They can work individually and also with an organization. With flexible hours and good work-life balance, an optometrist has a fulfilling life. And the most important factor is that you will be taking care of humans’ most precious possession, their eyes!
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