Optometri

Optometri is a health care discipline focused on eye and vision care. It encompasses the assessment of visual function, the diagnosis of refractive errors, and the provision of corrective lenses, along with screening for ocular health and common eye diseases. The field emphasizes primary eye care and the prevention of vision loss.

Optometrists perform comprehensive eye examinations, determine prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses, and fit contact lenses. They assess binocular vision, accommodation, convergence, color vision, and depth perception. They can diagnose and manage certain eye conditions such as dry eye, conjunctival irritation, and early signs of glaucoma, referring patients to ophthalmologists for surgical or more complex care when needed. In many regions, optometrists conduct basic diagnostic procedures including visual acuity testing, refraction, keratometry, retinoscopy or autorefractor measurements, pupil evaluation, and dilated fundus examination. They may use imaging tools such as fundus photography and optical coherence tomography. Some jurisdictions authorize the prescription of certain ocular medications for short-term treatment.

Education and regulation:

Optometry programs typically award a professional degree such as Doctor of Optometry (OD) or an equivalent credential, followed by licensing and ongoing continuing education. The exact scope of practice varies by country or region; in some areas optometrists are the primary eye care providers, while in others they work in collaboration with ophthalmologists and other health professionals.

See also: ophthalmology, vision science, eye health.