Which Eye Specialist Would You See?
Visiting an eye specialist often helps you avoid or manage any problems with your vision. Your eyesight is valuable as it lets you perform all your basic tasks plus more. Do not take your vision for granted by ignoring any developing symptoms.
There are three eye specialists you may need to see in this lifetime: an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, and an optician.
Optometrist
An optometrist is a type of eye specialist who provides primary eye care. They are not all doctors, but are registered health care professionals who are able to diagnose and treat common eye conditions. They’re able to provide lens prescriptions, medication and rehabilitation recommendations, and even perform surgical procedures such as removing foreign objects and laser surgery. They require a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), a Bachelor of Optometry, Bachelor of Science (BOptom BSc), or a Bachelor of Vision Science and Masters of Optometry degree before the Australian College of Optometry recognises them as optometrists.
You can go to an optometrist when you begin experiencing the signs of glaucoma, nearsightedness and farsightedness, cataracts, and other retinal diseases. Optometrists will also help you with hypertension and diabetes-related visual impairments.
Ophthalmologist
There are more serious eye conditions that require knowledge and specialisation. An ophthalmologist specialises in eye anatomy and all aspects of eye care. They must have a Doctor of Medicine degree in Ophthalmology, followed by two years of residency and five years of specialist training. Next, they must become a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO).
Ophthalmologists perform the same functions as an optometrist, but additionally, they also perform surgical treatment. You should see them if you suspect any issues with your cornea, advanced glaucoma, retinal diseases, and cataracts that need surgery. Consult them if you experience any trauma around your eye area as well, as they possess the knowledge to deal with nerve injuries. Those who require reconstruction surgery also need to see an ophthalmologist for ophthalmic plastic surgery solutions.
Optician
Opticians play the smallest role of the three eye specialists. An optician gives eye products and specialises in creating eyewear for people who have visual impairments. Unlike optometrists and ophthalmologists, they cannot diagnose eye conditions and prescribe any medication. Think of them as ophthalmology’s answer to a pharmacist – they dispense your prescription.
Dispensing opticians have to be a member of the Australian Dispensing Opticians Association. The ADOA Board determines whether or not somebody qualifies for this profession. They can work independently or hand-in-hand with optometry clinics.
You must visit these specialists after seeing your eye doctor. They’re going to design and fit the lenses, whether in the form of eyeglasses or contact lenses, as outlined by your doctor’s specifications. They’re able to also design devices such as artificial eyes for cosmetic corrections.
Visit an eye care centre at least every two years. This should help you maintain the health of your eyes. Increase these visits as you get older. You must also develop good reading habits and rest your eyes periodically. Avoid reading in the dark, reading at uncomfortable angles and reading for an extended period of time. Exercise your eyeballs from time to time by taking a look at different directions. Finally, maintain a healthy diet rich in Vitamin A and lutein.
Keira Hutchinson is an optometrist who works together with an optician and owns an eye specialist clinic.
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