What is an Optometrist? Optometrist Duties

What is an Optometrist?

Medical Optometrist today are on the front line of eye and vision care. Optometrists perform comprehensive examinations of the complete visual system including the internal and external structures of the eye, the visual pathway through the brain as well as test vision. 

They provide a wide range of vision care, they detect and diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disorders, lid disorders, infections such as conjunctivitis and of course help people see better through the use of glasses and contact lenses.

Optometrist Duties:

Optometrist not only examines eyes and maintain healthy vision but also discover and diagnose diseases and recommend treatment. They prescribe medication to treat an eye disease or evaluate and treat vision conditions where people can't see well or performing minor surgical procedures like removing foreign objects from the eye.

It is often said the eyes are the windows to the health of the body. Optometrists are changing even saving lives through their extensive health training. They have access to overall health issues of a patient while performing an eye exam and can recognize critical health issues like hypertension or diabetes.

So not only does a comprehensive eye examination protect your vision. It has the potential to save your life.

Why do optometrists recommend early and regular eye exams?

It is recommended so that any eye condition or disease can be detected early. Early detection means the preservation of sight. Most parents don't realize that a child's first eye exam should be between the ages of 6 to 12 months. Envision problems is the best way to help ensure that the baby's vision is developing properly.