How To Choose An Optometrist

By Author: Claire Beicker
Total Articles: 5
Comment this article

Eyesight is a tricky subject; therefore, when it is time to select an optometrist, you want a physician you can trust with your precious eye sight. Never select a random physician from the phone book; instead, talk to family, friends and coworkers about optometrists in the area that they have used or ones they would recommend. On top of recommendations, do your own research and make sure that you understand what an optometrist does and how to look for a reputable provider to take care of your precious eyesight.What to Expect from Your OptometristAn optometrist focuses on conditions affecting the eyes, and they are specially trained to diagnose and treat eye-related issues, as well as manage diseases of the eyes. After graduating from a four-year college or university, they continue their education with a four-year optometry degree from an accredited school. At this point, optometrists can be licensed to practice, but the best go on to do a year in a residency program first. Note that they are not required to attend medical school, so they do not earn a medical degree, and they do not receive American Medical Association (AMA) ...
... certification.Optometrists examine the interior and exterior of the eye for diseases that include, but are not limited to: Retinal detachment Glaucoma Cataracts InfectionsAn optometrist cannot perform eye surgery on a patient and will have to reference out any patients who require surgery. Instead, an optometrist is trained to diagnose, care and treat conditions of the eye.Vision ConditionsOn top of diagnosing illness and ailments associated with the eyes, optometrists can also diagnose and treat common vision conditions such as farsightedness, nearsightedness and presbyopia. Optometrists can also test and diagnose an individual for trouble focusing or eye coordination if requested. Optometrists are able to prescribe contact lenses, eyeglasses, vision aids, vision therapy and medications for specific eye conditions - as long as they do not require any invasive surgical procedures before application. There are instances where an optometrist will work in the same office as an ophthalmologist, which then takes away the need for an outside consult if a surgical or invasive procedure is required. Characteristics of a High-Quality OptometristAs you review your list of candidates, consider whether each offers all of the services you might need, such as vision care, disease diagnosis, and prescriptions. For convenience, you may wish to choose an optometrist that is closely partnered with an ophthalmologist, as most people over the age of 45 require a visit at some point. Find a reputable optometrist that is convenient to your location through online review boards and business review sites. The best results often come from word of mouth, so before you decide, ask around to be sure your optometrist is one of the best. After all, he or she will be responsible for the care of one of your most precious senses.For more helpful information, I recommend Clarkson Eye Care optometrists.