Optometrist Career Description
Optometrists specifically deal with human vision and aim to give patients clear and efficient vision. They measure the efficiency of their patients' eyes and where necessary, take steps to improve or prevent deterioration of vision.
They may also give advice on environmental factors that affect visual efficiency. Optometrists function as primary health care providers.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Optometrists specialize in visual defects of the physiological healthy eye. They are able to prescribe spectacles or contact lenses to rectify or alleviate visual defects such as farsightedness, short-sightedness, astigmatism (image distortion) and presbyopia (farsightedness as the result of age). They evaluate the specific needs, working demands and hobbies of their patients in order to prescribe the most suitable correction.
Specialised knowledge and techniques are used to:
» Improve defective co-ordination of eye movements with eye exercises.
» Alleviate low vision with special magnifying glasses.
» Examine the pressure in the eye, visual fields and colour deficiency.
» Improve the performance of athletes (sport vision).
» Improve the safety of workers (industrial vision).
» Develop and enhance specific visual skills necessary in visual proficiencies such as reading.
Optometrists can also act as guidance officers by promoting eye hygiene. They can give advice to both patients and the general public and are also consulted by industry on aspects such as correct reading habits, lighting and general eye safety. This area, known as preventative or environmental optometry, forms an important part of their work.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
A genuine interest in people is of great importance since optometrists work in close contact with people. An interest in Physical Science, Mathematics, Physiology and Psychology is also very important.
Manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination are necessary for working with all the specialised equipment.
Where can I work?
Hospital clinics and private practitioners, who need associates, offer the most available employment. Another opportunity is teaching at a School of Optometry, doing research.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Optometrists can enter private practice, alone or with a partner. They can also act as vision consultants in industry.
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