OPTOMETRY

Optometry

Optometry

is a profession focused on the science, art and care of the human eyes. The practitioners of optometry are referred to as optometrists.

• examine people's eyes to diagnose and in some cases treat vision problems and eye disease

• use instrumentation and observation to evaluate eye health and to test patients' visual acuity, depth and color perception, and their ability to focus and coordinate the eyes

• analyze test results and develop a treatment plan

• prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, and low-vision rehabilitation

• administer drugs to patients to aid in the diagnosis of eye vision problems and prescribe drugs to treat some eye diseases

• provide preoperative and postoperative care to cataract, laser vision correction, and other eye surgery patients

• diagnose conditions caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and they refer patients to other health practitioners as needed.

Responsibilities of Optometrists

cornea and contact lenses

Optometrists with a specialty in __________ have more in-depth knowledge about diagnosing and treating various diseases of the cornea and conducting contact lens fittings. This can include the use of specialized contact lenses.

ocular disease

Optometrists who have subspecialized in ________ are trained to detect a variety of diseases that affect the front and the back of the eye, including glaucoma and macular degeneration.

low vision

Optometrists treating _______ help patients with a visual impairment that cannot be helped through surgery, glasses, or contact lenses. Low vision is more common among older adults. There are tools and technology to help those with low vision.

pediatrics

Vision problems can affect a child's development. Optometrists specializing in ________ treat children and their vision disorders. In addition to performing routine eye exams, pediatric optometrists diagnose and treat binocular vision and help to provide vision therapy.

Geriatric optometrists

are specially trained to provide eye care to older adults. They frequently diagnose and treat eye problems more common in older adults, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Neuro-optometry

diagnose and treat vision problems related to the brain. This could include vision loss associated with neurological diseases, trauma, or congenital (present at birth) conditions.

Behavioral Optometry/Vision Therapy

Behavioral optometrists focus on how visual function affects your daily activities. Behavioral optometrists may aim to improve visual function through vision therapy, including eye exercises and the use of special prisms and lenses.

Tonometer

One of the oldest, this device is used to measure the pressure of the fluids inside the eyeball. If the eye pressure increases beyond a point, then it may permanently damage the optic nerve. A tonometer measures the pressure of the eye by very gently touching the cornea. A tonometer that actually touches the eye requires numbing drops to be instilled into the eyes.

phoropter

is one of the basic tools used by optometrists to measure the refractive error and determine the eyeglass numbers of the patient. The patient is instructed to sit in front of an eye chart some distance away. Different lenses are applied before the patient tells the optometrist which lens allows him to see better. This is a subjective test and the correct prescription depends on the feedback of the patient who determines which lens provides the best vision.

Retinoscope

In cases where the patient is unable to give feedback to the optometrist due to certain physical or mental conditions, a retinoscope is used measure the refractive error and to determine the correct prescription of eyeglasses or lenses. It consists of a mirror that shines light into the eyes and has a hole in the center of it, through which the eyes are examined.

autorefractor

is another device used to measure the refractive error of the eyes and prescribe lenses. The patient is required to look into the machine, which has a picture that moves in and out of focus. The device takes readings and determines when the image is on the retina. A prescription is made based on the averages of several such readings.

Snellen Chart

is one of the most common tools used by an optometrist. It is a physical or digital chart that is placed around 20 feet or 6 meters away from the patient and has alphabets in decreasing order of size. At a time, one eye of the patient is covered while the correct prescription of the other eye is determined. Patients are required to read the smallest letters they can while the optometrist applies different lenses in metallic eyeglass frame mounted on the face.

retinal camera

is a device that is used to capture an image of the interior surface of the eye, typically the retina. It is a specialized low powered microscope with a camera attached to it. A retinal camera allows the ophthalmologist to study the patient's retina, monitor the changes in the retina over a period of time and diagnose diseases. Modern retinal cameras take a number of images using different filters to get clear images of different parts of the retina.

Ophthalmoscope

is another one of the tools used by optometrists to examine the interior of the eye. It consists of a light source with built-in mirrors and lenses that is particularly effective for examining the retina. The patient's eyes are dilated using eye drops to get a proper view of the interior of the eye. The ophthalmoscope helps the doctor to see and identify the indicators of possible eye diseases.

VT 1 Vision Screener

is a high-performance computerized tool used by optometrists to quickly diagnose and identify major visual problems. It is lightweight, portable and simple to use. It screens for a broad range of eye diseases and does not require dilation of the pupils. A vision screener is used to identify visual problems for all age groups including children as young as six months of age.

• Active listening and detail orientation: The importance of excellent listening skills cannot be emphasized enough. These skills will allow you to understand what your patients are telling you so you can respond appropriately with the proper treatment and medications.

• Verbal communication: You will have to convey information to your patients clearly. Stellar speaking skills will make that possible.

• Interpersonal skills: In addition to strong listening and verbal communication skills, you must be able to "read" your patients' non-verbal signals, as well as persuade and instruct them.

• Critical thinking and problem solving: You must be able to identify problems and then use your critical thinking skills to solve them.

Optometrist Skills & Competencies

Doctor of Optometry (OD)

is a six-year program consisting of the first year of General Education courses; middle three years of Allied Health, Medical Sciences, Ocular/Visual Biology, Vision Science, Optics, Theories and Principles in Optometry, Ethics, Jurisprudence and Practice Management; and last two years of Clinical courses, Clinics, Research and Internship rotations in different fields of Optometry Specialization.

• Optometry programs include classroom and laboratory study of health and visual sciences, and clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Included are courses in pharmacology, optics, biochemistry, and systemic disease.

• Recommended Senior High School Strand — Students who wish to take Doctor of Optometry (OD) in College are encouraged to take the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand under the Academic Track. The strand provides the basics of applied mathematics and sciences that will be useful in their college life.

• Board Exam - To be a licensed Doctor of Optometry or Optometrists in the Philippines, a graduate of the OD program needs to pass the Optometrist Licensure Examinations conducted by the Board of Optometry under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

• Optometrists work in places —usually their own offices —that are clean, well-lighted, and comfortable. Their work requires much attention to detail.

• Optometrists who are self-employed have considerable flexibility in setting their hours of work. They may offer Saturday or evening hours to suit the needs of their patients, and many practitioners choose to work more than 40 hours per week.

Work Environment