Sunglasses, They Make You Look Great!

Last semester, I attended a class at a huge lecture hall. There were a lot of people there when I came in, so I had to sit down at the back. I had a very tough time reading the Powerpoint slides. I really didn’t see anything at all! I failed the quiz after the lecture. I have always known that my vision is poor but only this dreadful incident pushed me to consult an optometrist.

What are optometrists? Optometrists are the primary providers of eye care. They do the ones who perform the general eye check-up. Optometrists are able to tell if patients are nearsighted or farsighted. They are the ones who prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. However, they are so much more than just eyeglass prescribers. They are also licensed to treat visual problems like astigmatism and presbyopia. Optometrists can also diagnose conditions connected to systemic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and even arteriosclerosis. If needed, they can refer the patients to other health practitioners. They work closely with neurologists, ophthalmologists and other health care professionals. Vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation are treatments which can also be provided by optometrists.

What can these eye professionals do? The common functions of optometrists are stated in the previous paragraph. From country to country or from state to state, the optometrists’ scope of practice varies. Several states in the U.S. allow optometrists to treat retinal diseases. In Oklahoma, optometrists are qualified to perform minor laser surgical techniques as well as minor laser surgeries. Optometrists licensed in Oklahoma who are trained to perform laser surgeries are allowed to perform minor laser surgeries in any VA hospital in the country.

What are the differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists? Optometrists are eye care practicioners like ophthalmologists as well as the opticians. However, they are not the the same as ophthalmologists who are medical doctors. An Ophthalmologist has a M.D. Degree while an Optometrist has a Doctor of Optometry Degree. Ophthalmologists are physicians who examine, diagnose plus treat eye and vision problems and diseases. Unlike optometrists, they can perform complicated surgery. Optometrists are only allowed to perform minor surgical procedures such as removing of foreign materials from the eyes.

Optometrists play a very important role in primary eye care. Make an appointment with an optometrist if you think that there is anything wrong with your vision. Visiting my Toronto optometrist really made a big impact in my life! Go to Optometrist Toronto, if you want to know more information aboutfinding the best optometrist in your area.