What Does an Optometrist Do?

Thinking about making an appointment with an optometrist and wondering what are all the things that an optometrist does? The more you understand about the services that a particular health care professional can offer, the more likely you will take advantage of their services. Ready to learn more about all the things that optometrists do, so you can be sure to make the most of your next optometry appointment?
Are optometrists doctors?
Is an optometrist considered to be a doctor? Yes: Optometrists are considered to be eye doctors once they finish their education and training and receive their Doctor of Optometry degree. While many people believe that the main job of optometrists is to prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses for their patients, this is not true. They also examine, diagnose, treat and manage eye-related diseases in their patients, as well as any eye injuries.
According to the American Optometric Association, optometrists are eye health care professionals who are state-licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.
What does an optometrist do?
The list below includes common things that optometrists do on a regular basis within their optometry practice.
They perform routine eye examinations
Routine eye examinations are important, as this type of examination is specifically performed to seek out any eye problems in their earliest stages. When eye disorders or eye diseases are caught early, they are easier to treat. Tests that optometrists perform during an eye examination include a visual acuity test and an eye pressure measurement test.
They offer patients advice and options to improve their vision
The fact that optometrists are considered to be one’s primary doctor when it comes to their eye health means that they are able to offer patients any necessary advice on how to take proper care of their eyes. They can also provide options when it comes to improving a patient's vision, with eyeglasses, contact lenses and surgery being three common ones.
They diagnose and manage eye problems, like cataracts
Optometrists can diagnose and even manage eye disorders and eye diseases in their patients. This includes managing eye-related problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. Once a patient is diagnosed with a particular eye problem, the optometrist will create a treatment plan in order to provide the patient with the management services they need in order to experience good eye health.
Are you in need of an optometry appointment?
Ready to make an appointment with our optometrist? It is important to make regular appointments with an optometrist in order to ensure that your eye health is in good shape. When it comes to how often you need to be seen by an eye doctor if you are not currently experiencing any eye problems, the frequency depends on your age. This makes it essential for you to be seen by an experienced optometrist somewhere in between every one and five years.
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