Optometrists
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. They examine eyes and visual systems, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. They also prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
An optometrist is a doctor of optometry, which is a gratifying and rewarding career option as it makes a lot of impact on people‘s life. The optometrist's job in India is to examine the eyes to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormality and problems with general health.
As an optometrist, one can work as a postsecondary teacher, occupational/industrial safety programs, consultant in the eye care industry or do research in optometry colleges. Individuals can also set up their own private clinics & work independently. Additionally, an optometrist can get into employment opportunities as a business manager, pre-registered optometrist, registered optometrist or trainee optician.
Optometry is one of the top-earning professions in the country today. The optometrist's salary is determined by several factors including coverage under provincial medical programmes, hours worked, location of practice etc.
Optometrists thrive in situations where they can interact with, persuade, or help people. They are ready to serve customers and efficient at teamwork with ophthalmologists and other technicians. As their job requires working with lenses, the work has to be accurate with precision. For a successful optometrist career, one should have a scientific bent of mind and a willingness to adapt to new technologies to apply in their work.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- B.Sc. Optometry
- Diploma Optometry
Tasks
- Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
- Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
Progression Routes
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