The field of optometry has undergone significant changes in recent years. Traditionally, optometrists, also known as opticians, used to practise in private optical shops. However, there’s a growing trend towards their integration into the healthcare system. This trend started with private ophthalmology clinics and is now expanding to public hospitals and health centres.
Two Key Factors Behind the Shift
Enhanced Training: Modern optometry programs offer a more comprehensive curriculum compared to the past. This improved education equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a broader range of services.
Patient Demand: The public increasingly seeks a more holistic approach to vision care. Collaboration between optometrists and other healthcare professionals creates a more comprehensive patient experience and leads to better visual health outcomes.
Governments are recognising the value proposition of optometrists. Their specialised training and skillset position them uniquely within the visual healthcare landscape.
When comparing Optometrist Credentials Across Countries, Australia isn’t left behind. Their optometry programs are on par with those in countries with a long history of integrating optometrists into healthcare systems. Examples include the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scandinavia. In these countries, optometrists are widely recognised and play a vital role in vision care delivery.
What is an Optometrist?
Optometrists, also known as opticians, are health professionals specialising in the visual system. They usually provide primary care for eye and vision problems and check-ups. They also referrals to ophthalmology specialists if pathologies that require medical attention are identified.
Optometrists conduct comprehensive examinations of patients’ eyes. They identify vision defects, eye focus and movement dysfunctions, signs of injuries, illnesses, and general health problems. They perform the Vision screening test to establish a diagnosis, provide advice on vision habits and health, and offer visual training and re-education therapies. When needed, they also prescribe and fit glasses or contact lenses.
They pass a series of tests and work in opticians’ offices, optometry offices, and public health centres. They also work in private hospitals and ophthalmological clinics, as well as primary visual care. They are fundamental in collaborating with ophthalmologists or departments specialised in optometry, research centres, or carrying out teaching tasks.
To practice the regulated health profession of optician-optometrist, it is necessary to study the Degree in Optics and Optometry.
What Do Optometrists Do?
As primary eye care providers, optometrists are bound to meet multiple responsibilities. They perform comprehensive eye exams to evaluate vision, detect potential issues, and provide various treatment options. Here’s an overview of their typical responsibilities:
Vision Testing
They perform comprehensive eye exams and Vision screening tests to diagnose vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Eye Health Assessments
They check for signs of eye diseases, injuries, and general health conditions that may reflect through the eyes (diabetes, hypertension).
Vision Therapy
They offer treatment programs for visual dysfunctions like eye movement problems and focusing difficulties.
Corrective Lens Prescriptions
They prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct vision problems.
Preventive Care
They provide advice on maintaining good visual health through practices like proper ergonomics.
Patient Education
They educate patients on good vision habits and healthy lifestyle choices that can impact eye health.
Because optometry is an extensive science, several specialities need to be more effective in its execution. This specialisation is differentiated by the age range it is aimed at (paediatrics or geriatrics). It is also differentiated by the type of activity: contactology, vision therapy, low vision, multidisciplinary teamwork in hospitals, etc.
Also, the Optician-Optometrist develops his professional activity in the fields of care, teaching, research, management, prevention, information and health education.
Skills in the Field of Optometry and Visual Health
Competencies related to the diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate referral of refractive, dysfunctional, or pathological conditions, both ocular and systemic. This provides the optometrist with the ability to structure a Vision screening test and complete a visual examination of patients.
The optometrist’s versatility makes him a professional figure who can be quickly and effectively integrated into health centres and hospitals. This optimises the quality and time of patient care.
They shared common areas of knowledge with ophthalmologists. This allowed these professionals to concentrate their activity on secondary and tertiary care, especially surgical work. The result was a rapid reduction in the high waiting lists for ophthalmology services.
Likewise, competence in Public Health would allow the optometrist to actively collaborate with the medical staff of Primary Care. They help paediatrics and Nursing in prevention, education, and awareness tasks aimed at the general public. In doing this, they search for the best vision of health care for citizens.
The Best Optometrists in All of Australia
At Salisbury Optometrist, we prioritise your vision. Our team of experienced optometrists provides comprehensive eye exams to diagnose and treat a variety of vision problems. Whether you need a routine checkup, contact lens fitting, or help with a specific eye concern, we offer personalised eyecare backed up by the latest technology.
During the consultation, we will perform different tests depending on the type of visit being made. If it is a routine check-up, you will only need to do a few general eye tests.
If you come for a consultation for a specific problem, we will also perform other types of tests. Our focus will be on the symptoms you described, so do not hesitate to contact us or call us.
We are health professionals to whom your eyecare is our priority.