Optometry : Introduction
Ophthalmic Optics is a science, which deals with the structure, function
and working of the human eye. Popularly known as Optometry, this health
care profession is concerned with examination, diagnosis and treatment
of eyes, specially related to visual, optical symptoms, refractive errors
and their correction, using lenses and other optical aids. The scope
for optometric practice in India and abroad is great and unlimited. It
is a dynamic and challenging career which could achieve personal growth,
community respect and offers job flexibility, financial success and unlimited
opportunities.
Optometrists or optometric physicians are primary eye care and health
professionals concerned with vision care. They are experts in determining
one's refractive error and prescribing appropriate correction. They deal
with vision screening (eye testing), diagnosis of visual problems, orthoptics
and vision training, optometric counseling of patients with partial sight,
colour blindness and hereditary vision defects, and designing and fitting
of spectacles, contact lens and low vision aids. They also prescribe Vision
therapy eye exercises to patients complaining of Visual symptoms such
as squint etc.
Though Optometry goes hand in hand with Ophthalmology in treatment of
Visual disorders, Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists
or dispensing opticians. An optometrist performs all the tasks of an ophthalmologist,
short of surgery. Ophthalmologists (Eye M.D's) are trained physicians
specialized in eye and vision care who perform eye surgery, as well as
diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries.
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