When it comes to maintaining good vision, we often hear about the importance of visiting an optometrist. But just who is an optometrist and what do they actually do? And how do they differ from ophthalmologists, who also help maintain our eyesight?
Generally speaking, an optometrist is the first medical noufal mais 1 specialist we should see for our eye health. They are experts in assessing, diagnosing and managing many eye disorders, including dry eyes, short-sightedness, astigmatism and glaucoma. They can also pick up on some important general health conditions that may affect our vision such as diabetes and thyroid disease.
Optometrists will take the time to discuss your past eye health history, and perform a series of tests to check your vision. This may include covering one eye and reading a line of diminishing-sized letters on an eye chart, and testing how well you can focus on a target that moves in front of you. They can also check your vision for distance and near, and assess your ability to focus with both eyes at the same time – an important test for those with binocular vision disorders like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus.
They will talk to you about any symptoms you are experiencing – for example, watery eyes, blurred vision or headaches. They will then examine your eyes and the surrounding structures using special equipment, and look for signs of eye disease or other abnormalities. They can also prescribe, fit and supply glasses and contact lenses if necessary. And they are qualified to prescribe therapeutic drugs if necessary, such as antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and scheduled analgesics.
If the optometrist detects a serious problem, such as eye inflammation or high eye pressure, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist for further tests and treatment. They can also prescribe low vision aids and give you advice on regular visual exercises to help improve your condition.
In summary, an optometrist is a professional who has completed a doctorate degree in optometry, which is similar to a medical degree. However, they are not medical doctors and cannot perform surgery. They can, however, provide a valuable service in helping people maintain their vision and eye health, especially in places where access to medical care is limited.
For the most comprehensive care for your eyes, we recommend you visit your local optometrist at least once a year. You can find your nearest optometrist by entering your postcode into the search box above. Or, if you already have a favourite optometrist, you can book an appointment by phone or online. You can also book a consultation at our Optical Warehouse in Sydney. Book a consultation now.