Health Career: Optometrist
Who are optometrists and what do they do?
Optometrists are health professionals who treat patients for common eye health and vision problems. They do not have as much education, training or responsibility as opthalmologists, who are physicians who specialize in eye health. Optometrists can make medical diagnoses and prescribe medications and visual aids such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, but they will refer patients to an opthalmologist if the patient needs more sophisticated treatment like complicated eye surgery. Optometrists use instruments and observation to test peoples' eye health and sight capabilities. They also educate people about proper eye health and helpful remedies such as eye exercises.
How do optometrists typically spend their workday?
As an optometrist, you will generally work in a health clinic or doctor's office. You will work closely with patients and use sophisticated machinery to analyze eye conditions and make medical diagnoses. Optometrists routinely perform eye exams on patients and can write prescriptions for eyeglasses or contacts. Also, you may test patients' eyes for abnormalities and diseases such as cataracts, eye tumors and glaucoma and refer the patient to an opthalmologist as necessary.
What does it take to be a good optometrist?
If you are interested in learning about eye health and enjoy helping others improve their eyesight, you may enjoy working as an optometrist. Effective optometrists should be curious, have good business sense and like working with their hands. They should also be perceptive, have good communication skills and like working with people.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of an optometrist?
Opthomologist, optrician.
Related links and helpful information:
- American Optometric Association
- Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
- About.com – Optometry Career Planning
