Job Description for an Eye Doctor
Commonly known as "eye doctors," optometrists are licensed medical doctors who provide eye and vision care. From routine checkups to advanced treatment of diseases and conditions, optometrists are the primary physicians of eye health.
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Licensing
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Every state requires optometrists to be licensed. Before applying for a state license, a candidate must have earned a doctor of optometry degree. In addition, a candidate must successfully complete a standardized exam. Some states also require optometrists to take and pass an exam about state laws.
Responsibilities
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As part of total eye care, an optometrist tests patients for glaucoma and looks for signs of or complications from diabetes and hypertension. Because an optometrist is a licensed medical doctor, she can prescribe medicine for injuries, disease and conditions. Optometrists are not surgeons, but they can provide general pre-op care and even offer follow-up treatment for some surgical procedures. Optometrists also offer preventive eye health care during routine checkups.
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Specialties
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Optometrists may choose to specialize in a particular type of care or specific patient base. For example, they may specifically serve geriatric patients or young children. In larger optometry practices, different physicians may be on hand to treat certain case loads. One doctor may work with injuries, while another specializes in vision therapy or certain eye diseases.
Optometry vs. Ophthalmology and Opticians
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The role of the optometrist differs from that of an ophthalmologist or optician. An ophthalmologist is an eye surgeon who also diagnoses and treats diseases of the eye, as well as eye injuries. Opticians work with patients in fitting and adjusting contacts and eyeglasses based on optometrists' and ophthalmologists' prescriptions.
Education
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An optometrist holds the degree of doctor of optometry, which is awarded after the candidate successfully completes a four-year medical degree in optometry at an accredited institution. Pre-optometry study is available at many universities and often serves as a precursor to optometry school.
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References
- Photo Credit eye test chart image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
