When it comes to eye problems, you need to be strategic with the selection of your doctor. Sight is a precious sense, and you would trust a reputed professional to maintain proper vision throughout your life. In the first place, you need to decide what type of eye doctor you should be consulting. In this regard, you need to choose from optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians.
Well, it might not be obvious for you to decide, given that all these profiles happen to be similar. However, it would help if you were choosy with the professional with whom you go ahead. Of course, you would be reaching out to a reputed eyecare center like Jackson Davenport. Our professionals can take care of your eyes and recommend the most suitable eyeglasses.
In this post, you will get to know everything about optometrists and their responsibilities.
What exactly does an optometrist do?
Optometrists are senior healthcare specialists, who are self-reliant, and are licensed to diagnose, detect, and offer treatment for disorders and diseases related to the visual system and eyes. Previously, they were known as healthcare specialists. Except for surgery, they performed all the work that ophthalmologists carried out. Presently, optometrists work with clinics and hospitals. They also work with teaching institutions and participate in research projects. However, most of them work as eye doctors in hospitals, clinical practice, and public health centers.
What is the role of optometrists in clinical practice?
Clinically, optometrists carry out eye exams and provide solutions to patients experiencing eye disorders. At the outset, they carry out eye tests. These professionals scan through the medical history of patients experiencing these eye issues. Accordingly, they prescribe contact lenses or eyeglasses so that the patients can maintain proper vision.
However, the role of an optometrist goes beyond visual testing. Here are some of the other responsibilities that they shoulder.
- Detecting eye ailments: These professionals use the ophthalmoscope to detect possible ailments related to the eyes. These might include macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other diseases related to eye functions, like hypertension and diabetes. In case certain irregularities continue in the detection process, the patient might undergo other tests. For instance, patients suffering from glaucoma may have to undergo eye pressure tests.
- Prescribing drugs: The professionals manage different ocular disorders, including glaucoma. In the process, they prescribe different medicines like anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal, antihistamines, and antibiotics. Some optometrists can also prescribe the oral forms of these drugs.
- Independent prescribing: Once optometrists obtain the certification of independent prescribing qualification, they can prescribe licensed drugs. However, they do not prescribe injectables.
- Contact lens doctors: Some professionals handle sunglasses and contact lenses for treating abnormal cornea shape. They also prescribe special contact lenses like varifocal lenses to their patients.
What is the role of optometrists in hospitals?
Optometrists shoulder several duties in the hospital. These functions are somewhat similar to the ones that they perform in clinics. However, they need to carry out some additional functions as well. For instance, they offer outpatient eye care to certain patients in hospitals.
Have a detailed look at the different responsibilities that they shoulder in hospitals.
Offering primary eye care
While treating outpatients, optometrists test their eyesight for sharpness. Accordantly, they recommend corrective lenses. These professionals hold expertise in working with equipment needed to examine the patient’s eyes.
Providing care for low vision
Optometrists treat patients experiencing low and irreversible eyesight. To foster a faster recovery, they provide proper medication to these patients. Besides, they educate the patients regarding the relevant visual exercises that can improve their eyesight.
Dealing with binocular vision care
Some optometrists provide personalized vision therapy to patients who have been experiencing binocular abnormalities. Particularly, sportspersons and students require this type of care.
Counseling patients
Cataract patients often require counseling. They approach optometrists during prior postsurgical operations. Besides, the professionals advise patients about using contact lenses Summerville in the right way. During this process, they also review the patient’s previous medical records and evaluate the status of their vision.
Coordinating with other medical specialists
Optometrists collaborate with other medical specialists to carry out complete assessments of different functions of the eyes. Particularly, they work closely with pediatric ophthalmologists to address issues like amblyopia in kids. With this integrated model of eye care, both ophthalmologists and optometrists can enhance the quality of patient care for children.
Training and research
Optometrists often involve themselves in research work on vision disorders. These disorders may stem from neurological issues. Their task is to offer evidence-based findings on patients suffering from amblyopia, binocular vision, and other issues. Besides, experienced optometrists often train and provide industry knowledge to newer professionals in this domain.
When should you see an optometrist?
If you are experiencing any eye disorder, you may visit an optometrist. Particularly, if you wear sunglasses or contact lenses, make sure to follow up the routine checkups.
Here are certain cases when you should see an optometrist.
- Have a family medical record of eye disease or vision loss
- Wear lenses or sunglasses, or want to change your wearables
- Have been experiencing a chronic ailment like diabetes, where you have a greater risk of eye issues
- Take regular prescription medications that have an impact on your eyes
Do optometrists go to med school?
Optometrists are actually DO (doctors of optometry). It is not mandatory for them to complete higher education from a medical school. The primary role of these professionals is to offer specialized eye care to their patients. This includes carrying out examinations in the eyes and recommending corrective lenses. Therefore, they are not required to visit a medical school.
Where can you find the best optometrist?
Whether you need the recommendation of a new pair of sunglasses Summerville or contact lenses, you need to find the right optometrist near you. Reach out to us at Jackson Davenport for specialized eye care and contact lens recommendations. You may call us at 843-871-9750 or fill up this contact form. Our experts will get back to you soon.